Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has described late Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas as a selfless leader, who gave back to community and country in several ways, particularly through his exemplary leadership style.

Governor Diri also said he was a crusader for Ijaw freedom, who was always an optimistic man, whose vistas for Nigeria and the Niger Delta were always positive and hopeful.

The governor stated this when he led a delegation of Ijaw sons and daughters to pay their last respects to the deceased at his funeral in Ogigobio, Orubibi Douglas compound, Abonnema in Rivers State.

He said the late Alabo Graham-Douglas is an icon and incredible gift to the Ijaw ethnic nationality and Nigeria in general.

Governor Diri said the former four-time federal minister represented an important symbol and voice highlighting the issues that were important to the corporate existence of the Ijaw ethnic group.

He also commended the deceased for championing the cause for the preservation of the Niger Delta from the effects of oil and gas exploration.

The Bayelsa helmsman equally acknowledged the impeccable dress sense and regal carriage of Graham-Douglas, which made him a worthy ambassador of the Ijaw nation.

He encouraged the immediate and extended family members to take solace in the fact that he was a mentor, brother and hero as well as a man whose story would inspire many to emulate his character and good deeds.