The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed utter shock and devastating grief at the news of the death of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and other prominent Nigerians, including the former National Security Adviser, General Owoye Azazi in a helicopter crash today.
” Our great Party is shocked beyond imagination and no words can adequately give expression to the depth of our grief. What a colossal loss! ”
” 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 heartfelt 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.”
For the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark the death is as devastating national tragedy.
Senator Mark said the crash which also claimed the aides of the very important personalities; Dauda Tsoho, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal as well as the Pilots ; Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi Sowole was a national tragedy.
An emotion laden Mark noted that the frequency of air mishaps in the recent times unarguably calls for caution and return to the basics.
” My heart goes to the nation especially the families and friends of the victims. It is another sad moment for the nation. It is a huge burden” , he stressed.
He called on Aviation experts and the appropriate authorities to rise up to the challenge to ensure that such air disasters are prevented in the future.
Senator Mark pointed out that both Yakowa and Azazi were personal friends to him saying ” besides official relationships, they were my personal friends, it is like a double tragedy to me. This is sad.”
He recalled his recent encounter with Yakowa when they both travelled to the Vatican on a Federal government delegation to the consistory of Cardinal John Olurunfemi Onaiyekan saying the governor was so concerned on how to make Kaduna state safe and home to all.
Senator Mark described Azazi as one of the finest military officers in Nigeria who served the nation diligently and meritoriously. He said Azazi’s service to the nation was dictated by national interest and uncommon patriotism.
He also commiserated with the Navy authority for the sad loss of its officers noting that they died in active service to the nation.