President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the helicopter crash in Bayelsa State that resulted in the death of Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa; former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd); their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal; and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.
In a statement release on Saturday by, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan extended deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States, describing the sudden loss of the distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.
He ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is “shocked beyond imagination concerning the death of two of its top members, Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, and former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Owoye Azazi in a military helicopter crash on Saturday.”
“Our great party is shocked beyond imagination and no words can adequately give expression to the depth of our grief. What a colossal loss!” exclaimed a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh.
“The nation has lost a great patriot who, in about two years in saddle as 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.”
PDP said it is “unfortunate that the nation has lost the governor at this critical curve in our national history.”
