Nigerians mourn Yakowa, Azazi; Bayelsa declares 3-day mourning

Condolences continue to pour in as Nigerians from all walks of life mourn the death of former Kaduna State Gov Patrick Yakowa and Gen. Andrew Azazi, extolling the virtues and life of the departed heroes. 

In honour of Yakowa, Azazi and four others who lost their lives in a Naval helicopter crash in the mangrove of Bayelsa, Gov. Seriake Dickson on Sunday declared a 3-day mourning in Bayelsa state.

Dickson made the declaration shortly after inspecting the remains of the crash victims at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Dickson said the death of Azazi and Yakowa was a great loss to the nation.
"I hereby direct three-day mourning in memory and honour of our departed heroes who have left us so sudden. During the three days, all flags will fly at half mast in honour and remembrance of the dead," he said.

Other notable Nigerians mourn the loss too

Vice President, Namadi Sambo "It is with great sense of sadness that we are here to console and commiserate with the Kaduna governor, government, people of the state and the country on the loss of my brother, friend, partner and associate.’’
He recounts his past relationship with the late governor, which he said had lasted several decades.
According to him, the late governor was a hardworking and detribalised person, who never showed any discrimination in terms of religion and ethnicity.

Gov. Mukhtar Yero, "I assure you that we are going to continue with the good work he had started. We will work together with the State Assembly to ensure that what he has planned for 2013 is fully implemented,’’ he said.

Gov. Seriake Dickson: "The deaths of Azazi and Yakowa are irreparable loss to the nation. 

 
Senate President, David Mark: “besides official relationships, they were my personal friends, it is like a double tragedy to me.’’
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu:
"It is indeed another sad and shocking event in the annals of our nation, and I pray that never again should such a disaster befall our land,"

Mike Omeri, Director General, National Orientation Agency:"shocking and most unfortunate... the two men were key figures of the country's democracy and security.Their departure had left a great sore in the heart of Nigerians"

Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra "shocking and unbelievable. The tragedy was a big blow to their families and the nation.

Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs "We as traditional rulers in the state have received with great shock the sudden pass away of our dear governor,’’ 
``His demise will remain fresh in our memories due to his determination and zeal to transform Kaduna State,"

Gen. Yakubu Gowon described Yakowa as "a paragon of peace and unity, a great public servant.’’

Rivers Governor Chibuike Amaechi described the death as a national tragedy. The loss had thrown the nation into mourning.

Former President Ibrahim Babangida has described the death as a huge national loss.
"`These deaths are hurting and touching; conveying a nostalgic feeling each time my mind confirms the story as true.

"May Allah grant the families of the departed ones the comportment and consolation to bear with this sad incident, and grant us the fortitude to cope with these painful and very shocking
deaths,''

Bishop Mattew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, urged the mourners to focus on emulating the virtues of the late governor, as he had left several legacies of honesty, loyalty and sincerity that ought to be imbibed.
Other dignitaries had paid their condolences to the widow, amongst them were the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafiya, Dep. Gov of Sokoto, Mukhtar Shagari, Director-General NEMA, Sani Sidi. Others include, Sen. Isiah Balat, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, Col. Hameed Ali and Gov. Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State