Oritsejafor backs Jonathan on crash probe

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has said the association is in support of the probe panel to unravel what led to the helicopter crash that killed late Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, and ex-National Security Adviser, Owoye Azazi, and others.

He however charged that the probe should not be treated like others before it, where actions were not taken.

Represented by National General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, on condolence visit to Kaduna Government House, Oritsejafor said: “We support the Federal Government for setting up a panel of investigation.

“We support it and we are looking forward to the report. But we have heard of panels of investigation being set up and reports submitted in the country; we hope and that pray that the Federal Government releases the report of this one and take action”.

Oritsejafor said: “It is not just setting up the panel, we want an outcome of the panel.

“So, CAN is solidly behind the Federal Government in doing this, and we are calling on the Federal Government that if the report is submitted, it should please act on the report”.

He continued: “We were shocked; if there is anything more than shock, we will use that word. We were not prepared for it.

“We are here representing our National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who is out of the country at this very moment.

“He has asked to come to greet the family and the people of Kaduna State, to tell them that it is only God who can comport us.

“So, to the family, we want to say, our God is able and He will comfort them. To the people of Kaduna State, the Lord gave us Yakowa, the Lord has taken Yakowa.

“We welcome the new governor and promise to pray with him, so that the Lord will give him success.

“We are so happy to hear that he is going follow the footsteps of the late governor. We pray that the Lord will help him to do exactly what he has said.

“We enjoyed a lot of cooperation with Yakowa, we enjoyed watching him doing what he did during the short time he was governor of Kaduna State.

“We pray that the same relationship will be extended to the new governor”.



source:daily independent

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Yakowa/Azazi : Publish air crash reports, Senate tells Jonathan

FOLLOWING last Saturday’s helicopter crash in Bayelsa State which claimed the lives of former Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa and erstwhile National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi and the setting up of an investigative team to probe the incident, the Senate, yesterday, urged the executive to publish reports of previous investigations into air crashes before any new probe could attract the confidence of Nigerians.

Condemning the resurgence of air mishaps in Nigeria, the Senate said it had become obvious that the Federal Government was no longer capable of coming up with solutions to causes of air crashes.

The Senate also vowed to carry out what it described as a holistic probe into the remote and immediate causes of last Saturday’s air mishap involving a military aircraft.

The Senate decisions followed deliberation on a motion moved by Senator Chris Anyanwu, APGA, Imo East for an investigation into the  crash of the Naval Augusta 109 Helicopter in Bayelsa State last Saturday.

Moving the motion yesterday, Senator Anyanwu who is also Chairperson of the Senate Commitee on Navy, said: “Senate notes that in 2007 and 2011, there had been two crashes of similar Augusta helicopters owned by the Navy; worried at the seeming recurrence of air mishaps not just in civil aviation, but also in the Nigerian Military, despite public outcry; aware that between March and October 2011, there were three reported cases of air mishaps by the Airforce at different locations in the country, and that the causes of these crashes remain unknown.

“Further aware that on March 21, 2011, one F7-NI fighter jet, belonging to the Nigerian Airforce that was on a routine training programme, crashed in Kano, killing the flight instructor. The F7 fighter jet, which was reported to have come from Makurdi for two weeks training exercise was delivered to the Airforce by the manufacturers in China only a few days before the incident.

“Recalls that on September 17, 2006, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, an 18-Seater Dornier 228 Airforce transport plane carrying senior army officers and  three crew members crashed, leaving only three survivors. The victims were members of a committee set up by the government to reposition the Nigerian Army and were enroute Obudu Cattle Ranch where the officers were to hold the retreat.”

Presiding Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, overruled a motion for the three committees to carry out a joint independent investigation on the crash.

Senator Abaribe had told his colleagues that the three committees could only assist whatever committee the Executive would set up to investigate the crash, adding that the committees which were saddled with responsibilities of investigating similar air crashes in the past, never came out with any reasonable results as findings.

About 15,000 lives lost in two years

Following deliberation on the motion, the Senate resolved as follows:
“That the Senate condemns the resurgence of air mishaps in Nigerioa and the seeming inability of government to unravel the causes of the incidents.

“That the Senate do mandate the Committees on Navy, Airforce and Aviation to investigate the frequency of these mishaps with a view to finding a permanent solution.

“That Senate observes a one minute silence in honour of the victims of Saturday’s air crash in Tombi, Bayelsa state.

“The federal Government should publish past reports of investigations into Air mishaps.
Summarising the debate, the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided said: “I think we have recorded too many deaths in this country in the last two years, from 2010 when terrorism reared its ugly head in Nigeria. And since then, we have had too many deaths in Nigeria, some arising from terrorism, some arising from kidnapping, some from armed robbery, and some from ritual killings, accidents, road mishaps, air disasters, boat mishaps and all kinds of incidents that have visited us over the years.

Yakowa-azazi-1

“The truth is that people are dying on daily basis in our country, which is very regrettable. I believe within the last one to two years, we have lost over 15,000 people, which is about the population of some countries. Yes, Nigeria is a big country with so much population but this population is depleting by the day by all these incidents, so this calls for all of us and leaders in this country to see what we need to do to halt this trend.

“As we have said here, I think our regulatory agencies need to wake up, to ensure that only airworthy planes take off and land in this country, ensure that the pilots are well trained and where maintenance needs to be done is done. And of course, some of the people have died because of security lapses.

“That is one area that I will emphasise that we should also wake up because the protection of lives and property is the primary purpose of governance. We, as leaders, need to buckle up to ensure that we take care of these problems before we lose our dear population.”

He announced the setting up of two committees, headed by Deputy Senate leader, Abdul Ningi, PDP Bauchi Central, and Minority Whip, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, ACN, Lagos West. Ekweremadu added that members would visit the bereaved families.

Azazi: Family begins burial arrangements

ARRANGEMENTS for the interment of former National Security Adviser, NSA, the late Gen. Owoye Azazi, who died in the ill fated helicopter crash at Tombi, Bayelsa State, last Saturday, alongside Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa and four others, have begun, with burial tentatively fixed for this month by the family.

Family sources hinted, yesterday, that the late General was likely to be buried in his home town, Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. His first son, Owoye Azazi Jnr, however, said the date was subject to change, as plans were just at its preliminary state. Family sources also hinted that they would have loved to bury him next week but were constrained because of the position he held before death came calling unannounced.

Meanwhile, sympathizers, among them dignitaries from all walks of life have continued to throng the Ikoyi home of the late Azazi, to commiserate with his widow and children. Callers, yesterday, were  Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Minister of Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike and General AO Ogomudia.

Meanwhile, the remains of the Warrant officer, Mohammed Kamal, would leave Dodan Barracks today for his home town, Ile Odeshile, Ora town Kwara State for interment.

Governor Amosun while speaking to the bereaved family, described the late Azazi as one who reached the apex of his career in the Military. He said:  “Azazi might not have died in the war front but he died in service to the nation and in a military helicopter. We are here to remind you that we share your pains. In things that belong to the government, there is usually the tendency to wave off things and presume that it is alright. From primary investigations, there is every need to look at our maintenance culture. It is a sad occurrence.”



source: VANGUARDNGR

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Rain of tears as Yakowa’s body arrives in Kaduna

WITH the arrival of former Governor Patrick Yakowa’s body in Kaduna yesterday, the grim reality of his death was fully felt.

The city was thrown into mourning as the AirForce aircraft carrying the body — and the late Yakowa’s friend Dauda Tsoho’s — touched down at the Kaduna Airport in a golden casket draped in the green-white-green national colours.

The body was conveyed from the airport through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Byepass to the St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, accompanied by the widow and three of their children — all clad in black dresses.

The airport was filled with sympathisers. Many wept profusely as the plane hovered before landing.

The huge crowd defied the security barricades and rushed on to the tarmac as the casket was being brought down from the plane to catch a glimpse of it.

Women fellowship groups and church societies were praying and singing choruses at the airport and when the casket was brought out of the aircraft, they burst into tears.

While handing over Yakowa’s remains to Governor Multhar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, the leader of the Bayelsa State government delegation and Deputy Governor John Jonah said the government yesterday held a valedictory executive session in memory of the late governor who he described as a bridge builder. He urged the people to support Yero to enable him carry on with the foundation laid by the late Yakowa.

Yero praised the government and people of Bayelsa State for their prayers. He assured the people that he would continue with the foundation laid by the late Yakowa for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress in the state.

The Arch bishop of Kaduna Diocese of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Mathew Ndagoso, Bishop George Dodo of Zaria Diocese and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah prayed.

A Valedictory Executive Council meeting will hold today (Wednesday) at the Government House by 10am. The wake-keep will hold at the Government House later in the day by 3pm

The body is expected to leave St. Gerald Catholic Hospital on Thursday for the Fadan Kagoma, for the interment after a funeral mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma.

The bodies of Yakowa and his friend, Dauda Tsoho, arrived in Kaduna yesterday aboard a Nigeria AirForce cargo plane at about 2.45 pm. They were received by Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero and the widow, Amina Patrick Yakowa.

The bodies were accompanied by former Governor of Bayelsa State and other top government officials.

Others at the airport to receive the bodies were Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Bukola Saraki, family members and top government officials.

The bodies were later conveyed in a St. Gerard Hospital ambulance and driven in a motorcade through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western bypass to Saint Gerald Catholic Hospital where they were deposited in the mortuary.

Senate President David Mark and his wife later joined the others at the hospital from where they proceeded to the Government House to see Yakowa’s family.

Senator Nenadi Esther Usman and the Southern Kaduna People in the United States said yesterday that the death of Yakowa has robbed the state of a bridge-builder and a unifier.



source:thenationonlineng

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Intrigues cloud nominations for new Kaduna Deputy Governor

 The possible nomination of the widow of the late governor of Kaduna State, Mrs. Amina Yakowa as the new deputy governor of the state was Monday caught in a web of geopolitical permutations and political horse trading.

The office of deputy governor became vacant following the inauguration of the erstwhile holder of the office, Mukthar Yero as the new governor of the state.  The immediate past governor of the state, Patrick Yakowa died in a helicopter crash last Saturday.

Top on the list of those under consideration are Yakowa’s widow, a former deputy director in the Ministry of Defence. She retired from service only after her husband became deputy governor in 2005.

Her possible nomination Vanguard learnt yesterday was already facing stiff opposition from some political stakeholders from Southern Kaduna, who allege that a woman could not have the strength of will to stand up to the political intrigues that shadow politics in Kaduna State.

Opposition to her nomination, Vanguard learnt, is seriously being opposed by some from Southern Kaduna who believe that she would not be able to stand up to represent the interest of Southern Kaduna in government.

Others being mentioned include the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jonathan Asake, Mr. Mark Jacob who is presently a director in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and the chairman of Jema‘a Local Government Area, Mr. Dan Amos.



source:vanguardngr

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Kaduna Searches For Deputy Governor

 Southern Kaduna people in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria  have commenced the search  for a new deputy governor of the state following the sudden death of their kinsman, Governor Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash on Saturday in Bayelsa State.

Former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was yesterday sworn-in as Governor of Kaduna State, after the death of Yakowa.

P.M.NEWS learnt today that series of meetings had been held to resolve the confusion over who becomes the deputy governor of the state. Though indigenes of Southern Kaduna are yet to come out of the shock that greeted the sudden demise of Yakowa, the first indigene of the area to become governor since Kaduna State was created in 1967, a frantic search has begun for a new deputy governor. Yakowa was also the first Christian to become governor from the Christian-dominated Southern Kaduna.

Among the notable politicians being considered for the position of deputy governor of the state are the former Minister of Aviation, Hassan Hyat; Senator Isaiah Balat, former Minister of Power; Nuhu Wyah; Principal Private Secretary to the late Yakowa, Yohanna Allah Mateni; the current Chief of Staff, Aboki Galadima; Special Adviser to the late Yakowa on Religious Matters (Christian), Rev. John Joseph Hayab and former House of Representatives member, Jonathan Asake.

P.M.NEWS gathered that whoever emerges as the deputy governor will be determined by three political camps in the state. They are the camps of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as well as the late Governor Yakowa.

Since the Vice President is the holder of the highest political office in the state now and also the political godfather of the new governor, the belief is that he will wield a lot of influence in the choice of a new deputy for his 44-year old political godson, Yero.

The new governor was Sambo’s former Director of Finance in his Nalado business empire and Commissioner of Finance when he was the Kaduna State governor between 2007 and 2010.

Senator Makarfi as the most influential politician in the state and the governor when Yakowa served as deputy governor under him could also use his influence and relationship with the southern Kaduna indigenes to pick one of his loyalists as deputy governor.

P.M.NEWS investigation revealed that associates of the late Yakowa appeared to have joined forces with the Makarfi camp as some of the contenders were seen hovering around him yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new governor.

If Makarfi’s influence is anything to be reckoned with, the likes of former Aviation Minister, Hassan Hyat and Yohanna Allah Mateni, the current Chief Press Secretary and former commissioner under Makarfi, could emerge.

Investigations also revealed that associates of Vice President Sambo are apprehensive of any of Makarfi’s former aides being picked because of political calculations over the 2015 governorship election. They are said to prefer a neutral and loyal person emerging as deputy governor.

If this is the case, former Minister of Power, Nuhu Wya, a friend and former classmate of the Vice President, Senator Isaiah Balat and former House of Representatives member, Jonathan Asake, both members of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation could be chosen.


source:pmnewsnigeria

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Bayelsa Gov’t Declares 3-day Mourning Period

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour and memory of the victims of the air crash, which occurred on Saturday, 15^th of December, 2012 at Okoroba in Bayelsa State involving two great Nigerians, His Excellency Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Governor of Kaduna State and General Owoye Andrew Azazi (Rtd), former NSA and Chairman of Bayelsa State Post Flood Management Committee, as well as their aides and two naval pilots.

Following this declaration, all formal government engagements in the State have been cancelled, and all flags are to be flown at half mast in all public places in the State.

Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened in Government House and the State Secretariat complex in Yenagoa.

 

Deacon Markson Fefegha

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

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General Azazi’s final hour

IT was just a few minutes to 13.00hours and the service of songs was in session when our chartered Caverton helicopter landed in ancient breezy coastal community of Okoroba, hometown of Mr. Oronto Douglas, a senior aide to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

I had flown with my Uncle, Engr. Mayne David-West, Principal Consultant of Pearl Consultants, and George Kerley, Coordinator of The Jonathan Project and an unrepentant crusader of the president.

We proceeded directly to the venue of the Service of Songs. It was a ten minutes walk from the school field where the helicopter had landed, and it offered an opportunity to see the sprawling ancient community and the new developments taking place. The people were very happy.

They were seeing new faces – ministers; governors; commissioners; corporate executives and citizens they only read about and saw in the news walk on the new rigid pavements of their community.

I think above all, they wowed at the Nollywood stars who dazzled the natives to disbelief. Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Segun Arinze et al, then the big masquerade – Kanu Nwankwo was right there. I said to myself, the children of Okoroba Town would be inspired by the time the body of Pa Douglas is finally laid to rest.

In this flourish and fanfare, he sat quiet, listening to the incisive message delivered by the Reverend Ayo Oritsejafor.

He seemed consumed by the pastor’s deep rhetoric about how ephemeral life was, and how wealth and money were necessary vanity but how a life well spent is eternal in value. Still, I interrupted his intense engrossment.

He was excited to see me. We exchanged pleasantries and he asked that I stay around for a chat after the pastor’s message.

I did. The General was a towering man. Dressed in a grey striped French suite and black shoes, I watched him walk in his usual calculated steps as he left the tent to the other tent where the reception for visitors was to be held.

He looked fresh, like he had rested well after his surprising removal as National Security Adviser. His warmth was charming and his humility ever evident. He was led to a roundtable on the first row and he took his seat by his friend Engr. Mayne David-West whom he hadn’t seen in months.

They chatted warmly while they poured themselves a little champagne. He was served soup and he ate light. In about forty-five minutes he was done. Just about then, he receives a signal that the ill-fated helicopter was on its way.

He walked around to the other tables, shook hands and made his way out. He was headed for the helicopter, but he was obviously not in a hurry. He strolled with Governor Patrick Yakowa, a governor whose humility endeared me to him.

Governor Yakowa spoke softly, greeted warmly and smiled like he knew it was a final moment to be enjoyed. We walked ahead of the Governor and the General, and in a few minutes we were all at the Okoroba Primary School field.

There were a few chartered helicopters arriving and taking off. The choppy drone of rotor blades slicing through the air ruffled us a bit. The primary school was sufficiently solicitous of intervention.

The classroom had neither doors nor windows, in fact it looked abandoned. While we stood inside I asked why a primary school in Mr. Douglas’s home would be this wrecked. I called a young man, and in intense curiosity I began to question him.

My findings were that a new primary school was being developed and new community library built and well equipped. I was satisfied, I would have been disappointed.

• Plenty caution

General Azazi watched these happen. Now it was time to take him on. I had not seen him since his removal as NSA. He was a deep man, and I was eager to hear him say something. I knew him to be blunt in a very smart way.

He would not say a thing if he had not thought it through intensely. I probed into his period as NSA and asked what his take was on the Jonathan presidency. He had lost no love for the President.

He said …”Ross, the president is very intelligent and smarter than most people know”. He talked about the Boko Haram issue with plenty caution, but was optimistic that the president would check them.

Now, we were joined by the IYC president, Mr. Miabiye Kuromiema, and I surprised the General when I fired: “Sir, it is about time the president threw Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke under the bus”.

I maintained that the Jonathan presidency was haemorrhaging severely because of her continued stay as minister. I expected him to say something, his face expressionless, he remained quiet. George Kerley, a known defender of the honourable minister, quipped with a straight face: “Ross, you are right.

It is time the president is told the truth… He is taking too much bullets for some of these ministers”. The General shook his head, not in approval or disapproval; he was just enjoying the chat.

He brought up a few issues and we all talked with surplus warmth. We hadn’t pressed him enough when the Navy helicopter appeared within sight in the sky.

He offered us the two spare seats in the helicopter, but we declined as our chopper was at that moment already landing. He pulled George Kerley aside for a two-aside.

They talked for about two minutes, and he joined Governor Yakowa again, as they strolled on the rigid pavement into the boisterous windy path of the chopper. The pilots dismounted the chopper to greet their VIP passengers; they looked smart in their military uniform. It was the governor’s and the general’s final handshake.

• Seasonedpilot

Mr. Darego Williams, a seasoned pilot turned business man was joining our chopper back to Port Harcourt.

He cringed at the manner the chopper had taken off and didn’t stop starring at the effects of the rotor blades.

I noticed he was a little uncomfortable, but then he had been off the cockpit for over two decades, so he contained thoughts.

Less than ten minutes later, we were ready to go. The captain welcomed us on board and soon after we were in the air. We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn.

Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologized to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’. He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party.

Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger.

We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh. We could see the helicopter and the appendage bearing the ‘NAVY’ inscription had severed from the main body.

The moment was intense, we doubted the very facts we knew. We all believed some miracle could have happened; the worst case was not an option. It just could not be true.



source:vanguardngr

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Nigerian governor, 5 others die in copter crash

KADUNA State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and former national Security Adviser (NSA), Andrew Owoye Azazi, were among the six people that died in a helicopter crashed in the creeks of Bayelsa State at about 3.30 p.m. on Saturday.

The deceased left Okoloba community in the creeks of Bayelsa State, which was the venue of the burial of Pa Tamunoobebara Douglas, father of Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr Oronto Natel Douglas, and were heading towards their hotel in the state capital, Yenagoa.

Reports had it that it was the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that first alerted that it was in search of a helicopter that got missing.

Aircraft exploded, burst into flames
Information from residents in the creek area indicated that shortly after the helicopter took off, it appeared to have developed a mechanical problem. The pilot was said to have decided to plunge it into the creek, but it exploded upon impact and burst into flames.

The resultant loud explosion was said to have made people from the community around the crash site to rush out.

A source informed journalists that security agencies and emergency bodies had deployed boats and personnel to the spot of the accident in the creeks so as to be able to rescue probable survivors and remains of those who might have died.

NEMA deposits six bodies in mortuary
NEMA said on Saturday that it successfully completed search operation and that it had deposited the remains of the six crash victims in a morgue.

A statement by NEMA spokesman, Yushau Shuaib, on Saturday explained this.

Navy confirms ownership of helicopter
Meanwhile the Nigerian Navy has confirmed that its helicopter with registration number NN07 crashed at Nembe/Okorogba, while conveying some personalities to Port Harcourt at about 3.30 pm.

Director of Naval Information, Navy Commander, Kabiru Aliyu, who disclosed this Saturday night, said a combined team of Navy, Air Force, Operation Pulo Shield, NEMA and the Civil Defence Corps were deployed at the site of the incident.

It would be recalled that it was barely two months ago that Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai of Taraba State was involved in an air crash that has left him incapacitated.

Governor Suntai was flying the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan on Thursday, 25 October when it crashed at Yamtari village, a suburb of Yola, Adamawa State.

However, while Suntai, who is believed to be currently undergoing treatment in a German hospital, was said to have flown the plane he had accident in himself, victims of Saturday’s helicopter crash were flown in the Naval helicopter, marked NN07, by a pilot.

Sunday Tribune learnt that the helicopter, which crashed in the creeks, was conveying the victims from Okoloba, Nembe, to Yenagoa, when the incident occurred. It was said to have burst into flames.

Kaduna wears mournful look, officials keep mum
Following the news that Governor Yakowa was involved in the helicopter crash, the people of Kaduna State were thrown into deep mourning and had continued to commiserate with one another on phone over the sad development.

However, there was no official statement from the state government on the crash, even as senior government officials in the state declined to comment on the issue
At the gate of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Yakowa’s official residence and office, security was tight and the main entrance remained close to outsiders.

Journalists saw Yakowa last, Thursday
Yakowa, who many journalists saw for the last time when he presented the proposed the 2013 budget to the Kaduna Sate House of Assembly on Thursday, was overseas recently and had to return a day after the suicide bomb attack that killed many worshippers in a church within the Jaji Cantonment some kilometers away from the state capital.

As the news of the helicopter crash spread, there was serious traffic snarl at the Unguwan Sarki area of Kaduna North, even as security was beefed up in major parts of the city.

It’s an act of God - Balarabe Musa
Former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, told journalists on telephone that he was not aware of the incident, but described it as an act of God, if, indeed, it occurred.

‘It’s a big loss to Nigeria’
President, Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, Malam Shehu Sani, said the reported crash and death of Yakowa was a great loss to the people of Kaduna State, the Northern part of Nigeria and the entire nation.

According to him, “Patrick Yakowa is a patriot, a man of peace and a symbol of unity. He is a great nationalist and a unifying personality. He is one of the best governors in the history of Nigeria. Yakowa is a towering figure and a colossus in the search for national unity.

“Yakowa is one of Nigeria’s greats. He is an unusual politician. My sympathy and condolence go to his family and the entire people of Kaduna State. We have lost a giant dove and a towering olive.”

AYF condoles with Kaduna people
National President of the Arewa Youths Forum (AYF), Alhaji  Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, expressed shock over the incident and condoled with the good people of Kaduna State and deceased’s families. Some past air crashes in Nigeria26 July, 2004: Pan African Airlines’ helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in Escravos, Delta State. The four people on board died.

29 December, 2004: A Boeing 727 of Chanchangi Airlines belly-landed at the MMA.

29 December, 2004: A Kenya Airlines aircraft crashed-landed at the MMA due to gear fault.

28 January, 2005: A Nigeria Air Force fighter plane crashed into a farmland in Yar Kanya, Kano State.

25 February 25, 2005: ADC’s B73 aircraft had its tyre burnt while landing at Yola Airport.

27 March, 2005: An engine of a Boeing 737 of Bellview caught fire.

11 and 12 June, 2005: A Boeing 727-200 aircraft belonging to Chachangi Airlines overshot the runway at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. Another overshot the runway at the airport in Jos, Plateau State, a day earlier.

24 June, 2005: A Russian aircraft belonging to Harka Air crash-landed at the MMA. All the people on board died

6 July, 2005: An Air France A330 plane crashed into a herd of cattle at Port Harcourt Airport sustaining serious damage and killing many of the cows. The airport had no perimeter fence and herdsmen usually took their cattle across the tarmac, sometimes abandoning them there.

23 July, 2005, a Lufthansa aircraft crash-landed at Lagos Airport and was badly damaged, but no life was lost.

22 October, 2005: A Bellview Airlines Boeing 737 airliner with 117 people on board crashed and disintegrates in flames shortly after take-off from Lagos. All people on board were killed.

10 December, 2005: A Sosoliso Airlines DC-9 crashed in Port Harcourt, killing all 103 on board. Most on board were schoolchildren going home for Christmas.

17 September 17, 2006: An 18-seater Dornier 228 Air Force transport plane, carrying 15 senior Army officers and three crew members crashed, leaving only three survivors that sustained serious injuries. The plane with registration number 228-212 at Oko village in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State at about 10:30 a.m.

29 October, 2006: Aviation Development Corporation Airline Boeing 737 with 104 on board crashed minutes after take-off from Abuja Airport during a rain storm. All but six perished in the disaster. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, was among the dead.

10 November, 2006: An OAS Service helicopter crashed in Warri, Delta State, killing four people.

2 August, 2007: A Bristow-owned helicopter crashed inside ExxonMobil facility in Port Harcourt.

15 March, 2008: A Beechcraft 1900D plane marked 5N-JAH, belonging to Wing Aviation crashed in the mountainous forest of Busi in Cross River State on its way to Obudu airstrip. The wreckage was not found until six months after the disappearance of the aircraft. All four-man crew on board died.

14 March, 2012: A helicopter belonging to the Joint Task Force (JTF) crashed in Kabong, Jos, killing all members onboard, including four senior police officers.

2 June, 2012: A Nigerian cargo plane crashed in Ghana, killing 10 people.

3 June, 2012: A Dana Airlines Flight 9J 992 carrying 153 passengers crashed at a residential area of Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. No one survived the crash.

25, October, 2012: A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed near Yola. Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State and two others were injured in the crash.



source:nigeriantribune

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