PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, called for cease fire on the part of the Ondo State government and the family of former Governor Olusegun Agagu on the blame game over who hired the ill fated aircraft.
The President spoke through Culture and Tourism Minister, Edem Duke, who led a Federal Government delegation on a condolence visit to Chief Olu Falae over the death of his son, Deji, in the plane that crashed a week ago.
The plane was conveying the remains of the former Governor Olusegun Agagu to OndoState for burial when it crashed and killed 16 passengers. Deji until his death was Culture and Tourism Commissioner in OndoState.
The Federal Government delegation include the Communication Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Director-General of Technology Corps, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, and Director, Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, George Uffot.
President Jonathan asked the government and the family of the deceased to stop dissipating energy on who hired the crashed aircraft during the preparation to give Dr Agagu a befitting burial.
He said: “We should stop dissipating energy by passing blames now. An occurrence like this is not what we pray to see again in this country. This is not a loss only to OndoState but to the whole country. What we should be concerned about now is how to develop the aviation industry and ensure such a bad occurrence does not repeat itself.”
The president said the Federal Government has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause(s) of the plane crash and this will help to improve the quality of services in the industry. On Deji (Falae), President Jonathan said words were inadequate to describe the “monumental loss of this bright light whom providence took away,” adding that he was leadership material.
The President who expressed his condolence, that of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and that of the country, prayed that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of “this star”.
He said,“As a leader, a bridge-builder in this country, the sacrifice is heavy but we want you to bear it with magnanimity; God knows best.”
Responding, Chief Falae who spoke through his eldest son, Dapo, said though Deji lived a short life but his life impacted his generation. He said “We are humbled and proud that Deji lived a fulfilled life going by the outpouring of testimonies of his character, humility and generosity by colleagues, friends and supporters.”
Feyi Agagu, Akinsanya flown out
Meanwhile, following his discharge from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Feyi Agagu, son of the late former Governor of Ondo State, may have been flown abroad for further treatment. Feyi is believed to have been flown out on Wednesday night to an undisclosed hospital in London alongside Femi Akinsanya.
Strong indications had emerged earlier in the week that the duo were likely to be discharged after series of requests for discharge for further treatment abroad.
It was gathered that the LASUTH management eventually granted the discharge after certifying them fit to travel.
Prior to their discharge, the duo, who survived the October 3 Associated Airlines plane crash, were being observed at the private BT Complex Ward of the health institution.
Although hospital authorities kept sealed lips over the development, it was reliably gathered that the Agagu family might have requested for the discharge and taken the decision to fly them abroad for better health management, but was keeping it close to its chest in view of the series of controversies trailing the plane crash.
Efforts to get a confirmation about the discharge from the hospital management were unfruitful as no official position was declared. Sources confirmed that Feyi and Akinsanya had been in relatively stable condition up till Wednesday.
A doctor who pleaded anonymity however expressed shock at the news that Feyi and Femi had been flown abroad.
“I saw Feyi on Wednesday and I’m shocked at the news that he might have been taken abroad. Feyi’s condition was the most stable. As far as I’m concerned, he had no cause to be have been flown abroad for further treatment except perhaps just to go and rest.”
Vanguard.