The Nigerian Governors Forum, (NGF) has described the deaths of Governor Patrick Yakowa and Andrew Azazi as monumental loss, just as they will on Monday hold an emergency meeting to look into the crash incident.
The meeting is billed for 11 am at the Abuja lodge of the Chairman of the forum, who is also the Rivers state governor, Chibuike Amaechi.
In a statement signed by Governor Amaechi, commiserated with the families of Governor Patrick Yakowa, General Andrew Azazi their aides.
They also backed the investigation of the air crash as directed by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The release said “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, hereby commiserates with the families of Governor Patrick Yakowa, General Andrew Azazi their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Mohammed Kama; and the pilots, Murtala Daba and Adeyemi Sowole, who died in Saturday’s ill-fated helicopter crash.
“We are pleased that the President has ordered an investigation into the accident. While we await the outcome of the investigation, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends and associates of our departed patriots at this trying time.
“We hope the aviation authorities will work harder at making flying safer and easier in our country. We also urge all relevant authorities to regularly overhaul and maintain our law enforcement facilities and equipments.”
The statement continued “We also condole with the people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States over this tragic incidence that has again thrown our country into mourning.
“It is unfortunate that these six distinguished and remarkable Nigerians passed on at a time our country needed their invaluable services most. Their exit is no doubt a monumental loss to our nation.
“We pray God to give the families of the departed, and indeed all Nigerians, the fortitude to bear this great loss. May the soul of these great sons of our country, Nigeria, rest in perfect peace.”
It would be recalled that on October 25, Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, narrowly survived a plane crash. He is receiving treatment in a German hospital.