By Francis Sadhere
The IIjaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide has rejected the request by the government of the United Kingdom for the extradition of former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief D. S. P. Alamieyesegha to the United Kingdom to face alleged money laundering charges.
IYC who made this rejection in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Barr. Eric Omare, said the request is politically motivated and instigated by the Buhari led federal government, adding that the government of the United Kingdom is just been used as a subterfuge.
They said the real brain behind the extradition request are some key players in the Nigerian government, former President Obasanjo who wants to punish Chief Alamieyesegha for his recent statements on his ordeal in the past and because of Chief Alamieyeseghas consistent opposition to the ruling party.
The IYC also condemn Prof. Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption for justifying the extradition request by the UK government, stressing that it amounts to professional misconduct for Prof. Sagay who was one of Chief Alamieyeseighas Lawyers during his arrest and subsequent trial in Nigeria to now be acting as Adviser to the federal government on same matter.
The added: Nigerians would recall that Prof. Sagay fell out with his old time friend and benefactor, Chief Gani Fawehinmi because of the arrest of Chief Alamieyesegha in London. Also, when Chief James Ibori was sentenced in London, he condemned the sentence for been excessive. Now same Prof. Sagay is singing a new song. We make bold to state that Prof. Sagays conduct is not only unprofessional but he also lacks consistency and integrity. Prof. Sagay is nothing but a man who speaks from any side of his mouth that meets his daily bread and no useful advise can come from a Committee headed by such an inconsistent character.
“The IYC warn the government of United Kingdom to desist from been used and interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria. The excessive interference of the UK and United States governments in the internal affairs of Nigeria is deliberately designed to cause crisis in Nigeria. It would amount to double jeopardy for Chief Alamieyesegha to be extradited to the UK to face trial having been tried and convicted of the same offences in Nigeria for which the UK government is requesting his extradition. The Niger Delta people would no longer accept the continued persecution by the Buhari led federal government.
