Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has warned the Federal Government that the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, should not be allowed to die in detention.
Clark, in a statement released to our correspondent in Warri, warned about the dire consequences of such development.
The former Minister of Information asked the government to expedite action on the planned medical treatment for Alamieyeseigha in Europe, adding that, �I should like to warn that delay is dangerous and fatal, having regard to his everyday failing condition.�
He denied the speculation that the Ijaw ethnic nationality had abandoned Alamieyeseigha, adding that his plight was part of the issues raised by an Ijaw delegation to President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abuja on Monday, November 13.
Although Clark expressed satisfaction over Obasanjo�s response to the deteriorating health condition of Alamieyeseigha, he added that the delay could be dangerous.
Clark, who quoted portions of his presentation to Obasanjo, added that, �The nation has recorded too many high profile deaths in recent time and it is instructive that we do not afford one if it is within our leverage to do so. It is on this score that we passionately appeal to Mr. President to intervene on humanitarian ground and allow Chief Alamieyeseigha medical attention abroad as it was in the case with Chief Fredrick Faseun and late Sunday Afolabi, we would be most glad for Mr. President�s sympathetic view on this appeal.�
Clark, however, flayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the handling of the case of the embattled former governor, adding that its action on the matter was unwarranted and insensitive.
He said it was not the constitutional responsibility of the anti-graft commission to dictate where Alamieyeseigha should be treated, stating that a patient deserved the right to decide on the hospital of his choice.
He said, �It is not the duty of EFFC to dictate the place and hospital the patient should go but the patient has the right to state where he will be treated at a particular hospital, particularly when it is realized that the former governor had his first operation in Germany and that when he was returning through London he was arrested.
�It is only proper and reasonable for him to indicate whether he would like to go back to Germany where he was first operated upon because he had earlier informed me that the operation he had in Germany was also connected with his heart problem which has now seriously deteriorated.
�It is therefore arrogant, inhuman and provocative for EFCC to arrogate to itself the power which the constitution did not give to it. Its duty is to provide security and protection for their offender and to see that he does not escape or jump bail. In fact, there is an international warrant of arrest issued against Chief D.S.P. Alamieseigha.
�There is no doubt that EFCC is doing a fantastic job towards eradicating corruption in this country and we are in support of its activities but in doing so, it must execute its duty with human face.�