Saturday, 25 May 2013
General Azazi's Final Hour By Ross Alabo-George
By Ross Alabo-George
It was just a few minutes to 13.00hours and the service of songs was in session when our chartered Caverton helicopter landed in ancient breezy coastal community of Okoroba, hometown of Mr. Oronto Douglas, a senior aide to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. I had flown with my Uncle, Engr. Mayne David-West, Principal Consultant of Pearl Consultants, and George Kerley, Coordinator of The Jonathan Project and an unrepentant crusader of the president.
We proceeded directly to the venue of the Service of Songs. It was a ten minutes walk from the school field where the helicopter had landed, and it offered an opportunity to see the sprawling ancient community and the new developments taking place. The people were very happy. They were seeing new faces – ministers; governors; commissioners; corporate executives and citizens they only read about and saw in the news walk on the new rigid pavements of their community. I think above all, they wowed at the Nollywood stars who dazzled the natives to disbelief.Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Segun Arinze et al, then the big masquerade – Kanu Nwankwo was right there. I said to myself, the children of Okoroba Town would be inspired by the time the body of Pa Douglas is finally laid to rest.
In this flourish and fanfare, he sat quiet, listening to the incisive message delivered by the Reverend Ayo Oritsejafor. He seemed consumed by the pastor’s deep rhetoric about how ephemeral life was, and how wealth and money were necessary vanity but how a life well spent is eternal in value. Still, I interrupted his intense engrossment. He was excited to see me. We exchanged pleasantries and he asked that I stay around for a chat after the pastor’s message. I did.
The General is a towering man. Dressed in a grey striped French suite and black shoes, I watched him walk in his usual calculated steps as he left the tent to the other tent where the reception for visitors was to be held. He looked fresh, like he had rested well after his surprising removal as National Security Adviser. His warmth was charming and his humility ever evident. He was led to a roundtable on the first row and he took his seat by his friend Engr. Mayne David-West whom he hadn’t seen in months. They chatted warmly while they poured themselves a little champagne. He was served soup and he ate light. In about forty-five minutes he was done. Just about then, he receives a signal that the ill-fated helicopter was on its way.
He walked around to the other tables, shook hands and made his way out. He was headed for the helicopter, but he was obviously not in a hurry. He strolled with Governor Patrick Yakowa, a governor whose humility endeared me to him. Governor Yakowa spoke softly, greeted warmly and smiled like he knew it was a final moment to be enjoyed. We walked ahead of the Governor and the General, and in a few minutes we were all at the Okoroba Primary School field.
There were a few chartered helicopters arriving and taking off. The choppy drone of rotor blades slicing through the air ruffled us a bit. The primary school was sufficiently solicitous of intervention. The classroom had neither doors nor windows, in fact it looked abandoned. While we stood inside I asked why a primary school in Mr. Douglas’s home would be this wrecked. I called a young man, and in intense curiosity I began to question him. My findings were that a new primary school was being developed and new community library built and well equipped. I was satisfied, I would have been disappointed.
General Azazi watched these happen. Now it was time to take him on. I had not seen him since his removal as NSA. He was a deep man, and I was eager to hear him say something. I knew him to be blunt in a very smart way. He would not say a thing if he had not thought it through intensely. I probed into his period as NSA and asked what his take was on the Jonathan presidency. He had lost no love for the President. He said ...”Ross, the president is very intelligent and smarter than most people know”. He talked about the Boko Haram issue with plenty caution, but was optimistic that the president would check them.
Now, we were joined by the IYC president, Mr. Miabiye Kuromiema, and I surprised the General when I fired: “Sir, it is about time the president threw Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke under the bus”. I maintained that the Jonathan presidency was haemorrhaging severely because of her continued stay as minister. I expected him to say something, his face expressionless, he remained quiet. George Kerley, a known defender of the honourable minister, quipped with a straight face: “Ross, you are right. It is time the president is told the truth... He is taking too much bullets for some of these ministers”. The General shook his head, not in approval or disapproval; he was just enjoying the chat. He brought up a few issues and we all talked with surplus warmth. We hadn’t pressed him enough when the Navy helicopter appeared within sight in the sky.
He offered us the two spare seats in the helicopter, but we declined as our chopper was at that moment already landing. He pulled George Kerley aside for a two-aside. They talked for about two minutes, and he joined Governor Yakowa again, as they strolled on the rigid pavement into the boisterous windy path of the chopper. The pilots dismounted the chopper to greet their VIP passengers; they looked smart in their military uniform. It was the governor’s and the general’s final handshake.
Mr. Darego Williams, a seasoned pilot turned business man was joining our chopper back to Port Harcourt. He cringed at the manner the chopper had taken off and didn’t stop starring at the effects of the rotor blades. I noticed he was a little uncomfortable, but then he had been off the cockpit for over two decades, so he contained thoughts.
Less than ten minutes later, we were ready to go. The captain welcomes us on board and soon after we were in the air. We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn. Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologized to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’. He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party.
Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger. We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh. We could see the helicopter and the appendage bearing the ‘NAVY’ inscription had severed from the main body. The moment was intense, we doubted the very facts we knew. We all believed some miracle could have happened; the worst case was not an option. It just could not be true.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of SaharaReporters
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. . . BUT THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN!
Submitted by Voice of the Spirit (not verified) on December 18, 2012 - 05:02.
Nigerian, beware! Bloodshedding in Nigeria is becoming a very common and easy thing being done by "men of power and in power." But remember that there is a GOD IN HEAVEN:so quiet and caring, so mindful and momentous, who is a silent watcher and listener to 'every' event and conversation. Judging by the current situation in Nigeria, people hate the truth, they love lies, keep lies and cover it. But the truth is that though men may hide the truth, God will one day JUDGE (Psalm.2:1-11). Also remember that GOD IS THE JUDGE (Ps.75:7)and HE IS NOT MOCKED:for WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP (Gal.6:7). to crown it all the WORD and the LORD Himself said "... but, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH." (Lk.13:1-5)
Murder? I do not think so
Submitted by agbelero on December 17, 2012 - 18:28.
We should be careful not to politicize this tragedy. According to reports, the chopper had made 10 trips before the crash and the crash resulted from engine failure. It is foolhardy and reckless to draw conclusion before the result of investigation is released. When i look at this tragedy, I see the use of Navy chopper for personal event i.e., abuse of office. Until we get the details, this is a case of paying a heavy price for misuse of government property.
A CLEAR CASE OF MURDER
Submitted by OSIRIS, Ramses (not verified) on December 17, 2012 - 09:29.
Azazi was already marked for death - when he spoke the truth about Boko Haram and their sponsors.(cf. "The Fate of Azazi" by Aliyu Tilde", April 30th., 2012! And Yakowa (a Christian Governor in the North!) had to be disposed of.
His successor: a Muslim! Simple.
I had already warned in my article "Jonathan & Naija´s Mumu Christians" that
Jonathan made a silly mistake, replacing Azazi with Dasuki! If my instincts are anything to go by, Jonathan is next! Or Oritsejiafor.
I don´t understand why people never learn from history. Remember IRONSI!
Break up Nigeria now and stop all this nonsense!
Tacky style of writing
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 17, 2012 - 05:31.
What kind of tacky style of writing is this? This George-Alabo guy needs to improve on his writing. I couldn't finish reading the post. It's just not flowing for me.
@ Truth Hurts & @ Henry ajenu : RESPECT ! (pt.3)
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on December 17, 2012 - 00:23.
Bayelsa epitomizes Naija in general. The 1% we have been accusing are exposed by this irony. Was Diezani not once the Minister of Works? Today, she's at the helm at "their" oyl Ministry. Anenih nko? Also Works, and now a Godfather at Aso! How about Ken Saro-Wiwa Jnr., is he also not an Adviser to the "intelligent" Clown on the Rock? Who runs the ND Ministry, nobi dem-dem? Didn't Oritsejafor that ochestrated the funeral jet into the nearest airport in his spanking new toy? Abeg, make i hear word! If all these Ijaw thugs built one kilometer of road in the direction of Yenagua, Azazi and co. could have walked to the capital while enjoying the natural topography of Aborigine Enclaves along the River Niger. Nobi "Niger Delta" for mouth. Afterall, their neighbours built Obudu and turned it into a tourists attraction.
Whether this is 2015 calculation or not does not interest me, fact remains Nigerians are suffering under PDP animals.
Ende.
@ Truth Hurts & @ Henry ajenu : RESPECT ! (pt.2)
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 23:57.
@ Deri : Azazi maybe, but not Yakowa! The Gov. was delayed (according to reports) so he "hitched a ride" with Gen. Azazi (pbuh). The Gov. was "collateral death" ...if you ask me!
@Henry ajenu, @ Truth Hurts : Thanx for capturing reality! You are guys are prophets. Nembians deserve better than schools without windows, not promises upon promises. The only bridge linking the rain forest settlements to the state capital collapsed because the project was abandoned. Con men who scam state governments on such "jobs" are among "Advisers" to the "very intelligent man" who along with his benefctor were once !Governor of Bayelsa! Truth Hurts, amigo!
Reports say there was an explosion which caused villagers to "rush out". That the heli "took off, stabilized" before the crash. Methinks it was a "wet job" aimed at Gen. Azazi bcos of what he knows about the BH. BTW, where's Baba Iyabo, ugly OBJ?
@ Truth Hurts & @ Henry ajenu : RESPECT !
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 23:21.
@ Deri : Azazi maybe, but not Yakowa!
While others mourn the fatalities, you're here hustling for crumbs. Wait for investigation to commence before rushing to judgement without accused. The pieces are right here in exclusive SR reports, you only have to think for once in your life. Who are you complaining to, didn't @ tundemash post a list of Dumbo's promises to his people for your Asch to answer? For your info, Dumbo just called Alams his "benefactor" to the chargrin of Civil Liberty groups. How far is your Nembe enclave to Yenagoa? Yet, No roads! You have the NNDC, a Ministry and 13% oyl egunje stolen by the likes of the deceased and you come here to pass blames abi? Where did Azazi build his Billion Naira Mansion? This writer is eccentric for quoting (Dumbo) "is a very intelligent man". Guess why Azazi dodged the "Diezani" question? Gist: Asari just disowned Dumbo, jumped ships! My friend go siddon! Azazi "invited" Yakowa so guess who the "target" was! Pena.
@DERI. Brother Deri, can you
Submitted by Dan Nigeria (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 22:55.
@DERI.
Brother Deri, can you please tell us why and how you came to the conclusion that Azazi and Yakowa were murdered? Were they shot down by Boko Haram? Were those fine military Officers members of BH who sacrificed themselves for the BH?. Such accidents happen a lot, not just in Nigeria but other parts of the world. You may hate the Hausa/Fulani, The North and whomever else, but blaming them for every unfortunate event, only serves to discredit you and whatever it is you have to say. Some degree of integrity is important even for critics; otherwise it is all madness, whose only goal is madness.
Complete nonsense n bunkum.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 22:19.
Complete nonsense n bunkum. You r exposing urselves as been d truest bigots n feckless people.
A common Presidential Adviser!
Submitted by Henry ajenu (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 21:17.
May they rest in peace!
How we abuse government infrastructure in Naija. Two navy HeliCs on standby bye for the father of a common Presidential Adviser?
killed cause of wanting power-4 d North
Submitted by DERI (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 20:40.
Remain blessed for giving us a teeth grinding details of how late Azazi and the Governor of Kaduna state were murdered by members of the born to rule haramic brigade of BH. Even the former Khmer Rouge leader who master minded the killing of over 12m Cambodians, was not seen as d lowest creature on earth the way Azazi and the ppl of the niger delta, were described by some satanic forces parading themselves as humans on SR-with their watery regional thoughts of old. I don't understand how humans can be so callous while we mourn the death of one of d best security intelligence officers in 9ja-cause of 2015. For we have had enough of the greedy, dishonest, disloyal poor trashy troubled liars, insensitive to the plight of SS, after stealing over 55 trillion naira from us-here we are with no roads-schools and health facilities-being taught biblical morality by a visionless micro wave society-clear Azazi and the Kaduna state governor were murdered!
YOU PEOPLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES
Submitted by Truth Hurts (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 20:27.
"the classroom neither had doors nor windows, in fact it looked abandoned" Unbelievable! Coming from one of Nigeria's richest states is indeed a shame to all those who are supposed to better the lives of ordinary Bayelsans. The people deserve better and the elites know this, but alas, their larcenic minds will not allow them to provide the basics for human development. They collect so much on behalf of Bayelsans and then run to Abuja or Lagos and acquire mansions. There are no roads, bridges, or hospitals, while the few surviving schools are left to decay. They steal in order to continuously, enslave the people. How can one explain the use of helicopters wen there is enough money to build roads for use by everyone?
this is true account of what
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 20:25.
this is true account of what has happened.
Why do you have to kill
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 16, 2012 - 20:16.
Why do you have to kill yakowa? Now the power has been relinguish to the north. I pray there will be no bom blast in kaduna again
