Jonathan Pays Condolence Visit To Azazi's Family

SAN FRANCISCO, December 24, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Jonathan has described the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi, who died in a Naval helicopter along with the former Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, and two others recently, as a patriot and diligent officer.

"Azazi was indeed a great man, a diligent officer and patriot," Jonathan said, Monday, while on a condolence visit to the Azazi family in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The president, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe, arrived the Club Road, Ikoyi, Lagos family home of the late army General at about 10:20am and was received by late Azazi's wife, children, grandchildren and other relatives.

Accompanying the President on the visit were Ogiadohme, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah; Minister of State for Defence, Olusola Obada and Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison- Madueke as well as other presidential aides.

Others included the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; Special Adviser on Research, Oronto Douglas, whose father's burial Azazi was returning from; and former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) boss, Timi Alaibe.

The Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel, Rev Obioma Owuzurumba, who was also part of the presidential delegation, prayed for the repose of Azazi's soul and respite for his family.

Jonathan, who used the opportunity of the visit to commiserate with the family of the former NSA, described Azazi as a great man, saying despite the loss, the period was not that of a continued grief.

THEWILL recalls that the President had already organised a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to honour Azazi and Yakowa where FEC members paid tributes to the fallen leaders.

And speaking through Ogiadomhe during the condolence visit, Monday, Jonathan said of the late general: "They all had good words for him because he gave his best for the country. He rose by merit to become a 4-star general. Because the President had confidence in him, he was made the NSA.

"He was a good community man. He chaired the flood committee of his home state, the most affected state.

He has played his role in his family, community and country even internationally.

"We should take solace in the fact that he lived a good life. He has laid a good foundation for the family.

"Painful as it may be, this is not a moment of continued grief. God will grant him eternal rest and fill that vacuum he has left."

President Jonathan held a closed-door meeting with Mrs. Azazi before he left the residence.