Presidency: Why Alamieyesigha Was Pardoned

In a clear reaction to why state pardon was granted to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, by the National Council of State, the presidency Thursday said apart from him being remorseful, the former governor has been silently playing a key role in stabilizing the volatile Niger Delta region. Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the President, Dr. Doyin Okupe, also appealed to Nigerians and members of Civil Society Groups for open mindedness on the pardon granted the former Bayelsa governor. Okupe, who reminded Nigerians that Alamieyeseigha was removed from office in a manner that was suggested by many as not being entirely above board, he said the former governor has been adequately punished for his misdemeanour and demonstrated enough soberness after he served his sentence.