President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and 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.
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.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also yesterday sent its condolence to the people of Kaduna State and the families of Yakowa and Azazi over the death of the Kaduna State governor, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoeye Azazi.
The duo, among others, were said to have died in an Helicopter crash that happened in Bayelsa State yesterday.
The PDP, in a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “Our great party is shocked beyond imagination and no words can adequately give expression to the depth of our grief.
“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!
“We wish to also send our heart felt condolence to the family of General Azazi as well as to the families of other Nigerians involved in the unfortunate crash.
“We beseech God to give them the strength to withstand this harshest sting of the painful loss of dear ones.”