"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."
A source is quoted as having said
that Mr. Azazi had invited Governor Yakova to fly with him to the Rivers State
capital, Port Harcourt. The governor's flight was reportedly late arriving in
Yenogoa, the capital of Baylesa state.
Reuben Abati Phd (Special Adviser , Media And Publicity)