CONFIRMATION: BAYELSA GOVERNOR BACK IN NIGERIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 001772 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W STATE FOR INR/AA E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2015 TAGS: PREL PGOV NI SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION: BAYELSA GOVERNOR BACK IN NIGERIA Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reasons 1.4 (D). ¶1. (C) Sources in Nigeria confirm breaking news reports that Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State is back in Nigeria. ¶2. (C) Publicly the Governor seemed to be gearing for a legal battle and voiced confidence that he would be acquitted at trial. Evidently, Alamieyeseigha had plans to jump bail. Reliable law enforcement sources indicate that the Governor, disguised as a woman, escaped London aboard a chartered private jet. ¶3. (C) Comment: While this caper could have been in planning for some time, no doubt the timing was hastened by fears of his imminent impeachment, as considerable pressure was building in this direction. This escapade may add to his lore in Bayelsa. It further muddies the politics in Bayelsa and also will be seen as a direct challenge and slap in the face to Abuja. The Governor's escape adds to his impeachable offenses. However, now that he is at the helm it will be difficult for his legislators to cross him unless the Federal Government strongly weighs in. Thus, Alamieyeseigha has upped the ante significantly. He may be betting that like Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, who jumped bail in the UK last year, he will be left alone once inside Nigeria. However, this case is not identical to Dariye. The political stakes are higher and President Obasanjo now has the EFCC and other aces to play. If wrong, Alamieyeseigha may only be enjoying the momentary respite of a man running from a beehive only to confront an even larger hornet's nest. End comment. BROWNE