Jonathan Still In Shock
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday stated that he was still in shock over the death of Kaduna State Governor Ibrahim Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen Owoye Azazi (rtd).
A terse statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, late last night noted that the President “expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash on Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa and? Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd)”.
The statement made available to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY also listed those that died with the governor and the former NSA to include their aides. They were Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.
Abati further stated: “The President extends deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states.
“He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation. President Jonathan has ordered an investigation into the cause(s) of the crash”.
Yakowa’s Death Beyond Belief – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa is beyond belief, adding that it was devastating.
In a statement made available last night by the national publicity secretary of the PDP,? Chief Olisa Metuh, the party condoled with the government, people and the family of the late governor, saying he was a rare patriot and leader for the Nigerian project.?
The party said, “our great party is shocked beyond imagination and no words can adequately give expression to the depth of our grief. What a colossal loss.
“The nation has lost a great patriot who in about two years in saddle as the Governor of Kaduna State demonstrated an unyielding capacity in? wielding together varying fragile interests. He rendered quality stewardship to his people.? Even in the face of daunting security challenges, nothing came close to compromising his iron cast resolve and faith that the phase must certainly pass. It is unfortunate that the nation has lost him at this critical curve in our national history.
“ On behalf of the National Executive Committee and other members of the PDP, the National Chairman of our great Party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur wishes to condole with the government and the people of Kaduna State? as well as the family of late Governor Yakowa on this very painful loss. Your tear is our broken heart.”
Yakowa, Azazi Death Painful – Northern Governors
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has received with shock and sadness the news of the untimely passing away of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Owoeye Azazi (rtd), following a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State yesterday afternoon.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, described the death of the duo as a great loss not only to the people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states but to the entire nation.
In a condolence message signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum said “Their passage constitute a big blow to the people of Nigeria whose lives they touched in their eventful lives that were devoted to public service”.
The forum said it was? particularly pained by the demise of Governor Yakowa who had consistently hosted the meetings of the NSGF since he mounted the saddle as Governor of Kaduna State but takes solace in the fact that he lived exemplary and purposeful life with remarkable achievements as a public servant, administrator, community leader and a dedicated family man.
The statement added that the late Kaduna State Governor and the former NSA were rare gems who would be missed for their immeasurable contributions towards the development of the country.
The forum said the late public officials were thorough bred professionals whose foot prints and legacies in the nation’s civil service and the military will continue to serve as reference points to the successor generations.
“They were uncommon statesmen, dependable team players, highly disciplined gentlemen and respected mentors of their sub-ordinate officers”, the forum? added.
The forum then prayed God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and their immediate families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.