Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi apparently died in a helicopter that
crashed today in Bayelsa State, a reliable source has told
SaharaReporters.
Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi, a retired military general who served
as chief security adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, were among
passengers in the ill-fated helicopter.
Nigeria's National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) had earlier
indicated that the agency had activated a search for a crashed
helicopter.
Our sources had earlier disclosed that the crashed chopper was
carrying "some major political figures." As at the time of going to
press, Saharareporters was unable to confirm the identity of any other
passengers in the ill-fated chopper.
Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi were among many political figures who
reportedly attended the burial of the father of senior presidential
aide Oronto Douglas. The funeral event took place in the Nembe area of
Bayelsa State earlier today. SaharaReporters learnt that the crashed
helicopter was one of several helicopters that some well-connected
people to the funeral.
The crash comes on the heels of a plane crash on October 25, 2012 that
has left Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State brain-damaged. Mr.
Suntai was moved to a hospital in Germany where he remains in poor
shape, unable to recognize his visitors or to speak.