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