AZAZI: BISHOP BOMBS MILITARY

“Before, it was the military Nigerians looked up to, but now they have compromised excellence. Money has taken over. There is cause for us to worry.”

Remains of the late National Security Adviser (NSA), General Owoeye Andrew Azazi, was finally laid to rest yesterday amid tears at the Ijaw National Heroes Park, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. His body was interred at exactly 3 p.m. with full military honours witnessed by Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Onyeabor Ihejrika; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice- Admiral Dele Ezeoba; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh; accompanied with 21-gun salute.

Shortly before he was buried according to military tradition, the Nigerian flag, a sword, peak cap and a pair of military boots were handed over to one of the deceased’s son, Owoeye Junior, by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos, Major-General K.T. J. Minimah, on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff. Ceremonies preceding the burial started with a service of songs at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, on Friday, where thousands of sympathizers, including President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, members of the National Assembly, some governors, ministers, service chiefs, top military officers, captains of industry, among other dignitaries, had gathered to pay their last respect to the late NSA.

At the requiem mass held at the Isaac Boro Peace Park presided over by the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese, Archbishop Augustine Akabueze, the Bishop of Bomadi Vicariate, Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo, who delivered the homily, described the death of the former NSA as a great loss, not only to the Ijaw nation, but the entire nation. He prayed God to grant his widow and children the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Pointing out that Azazi’s death was devastating than the flood that swept through Ijaw communities recently and submerged many homes, he took a swipe at the military for compromising excellence, unlike in the past when the military was known for perfection. According to him, if aircraft in Nigeria are airworthy, how come aircraft fall off easily from the Nigerian Airspace, killing prominent people?  He declared that if the military cannot guarantee the safety and protection of one of their own, then there is no hope they can protect any other Nigerian.

“Our aircraft are not airworthy enough to ensure we arrive safely at our destinations. This is the third air mishap in less than 12 months. Let’s not pretend we are in America or Europe. We need roads. “Corruption is the only reason we would continue to have air mishaps. If the aircraft are certified to be airworthy, how come they keep falling over? If the military cannot guarantee the protection and safety of one of their own, how can they protect others? Before, it was the military Nigerians looked up to, but now they have compromised excellence, money has taken over.

There is cause for us to worry,” Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo said. Turning to President Goodluck Jonathan, he appealed to the Federal Government to create more access roads to link the rural communities in the country as air travel is no longer safe for anyone. He said if there were good roads in the country, the likes of Azazi, who died in the ill-fated Navy helicopter crash at Okoroba, and indeed several other Nigerians, who have lost their lives in plane crashes, would not have died.

He said:  “Mr. President, now that you are here, the East-West road must be completed. Many people have died on that road. Mr. President, please do something.  Spare our lives.”

Source: Sun