US embassy cable - 05LAGOS1772

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