Azazi: Jonathan, Amaechi pay glowing tributes at burial

General Andrew Owoye Azazi, Nigeria’s former National Security Adviser who died in a military helicopter crash 15 December was buried in his home state of Bayelsa today, amidst pomp and colour and the outpouring of glowing tributes, even from President Goodluck Jonathan that sacked him as national security adviser.

The sanctified general, was laid to rest at the new Ijaw National Heroes Park after a funeral mass conducted by Rev. Father Joseph Opelema of St. Patrick’s’ Catholic Church, Yenagoa. His casket supplied by Ebony was draped in Nigeria’s national colours, of green, white, green, with a military cap placed atop, and senior military officers performing the role of pall bearers.

In addition to President Jonathan, several state governors—the host Seriake Dickson, Rotimi Amaechi and Emmanuel Uduaghan attended the ceremony.

Nigeria’s Chief of army staff, Lt.- Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, led other service chiefs to the funeral service.

Ihejirika described the deceased as a `firm and transparent Nigerian’, who believed in merit.

“I recall when Azazi was the Director of Military Intelligence; he changed officers’ negative perception of intelligence corps. He was firm, transparent and believed in merit at all times,” he said.

Ihejirika said Azazi died with his lofty dreams of a modernised Niger Delta, which would help to transform the region to great economic power.

In his tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was accompanied by his wife, Patience, described the late general as a “detribalised Nigerian, who believed in merit and competence.

“If 50 per cent of Nigerians would behave like late Azazi, believe me, this country will change for the better.

“I had no regret when I appointed him national security adviser, he was a good Nigerian.’’

Jonathan urged Nigerians to emulate the good virtues of the late Azazi, “who lived a life of service to his fatherland.

“As we mourn Azazi, let us learn from his lifetime achievements to do what is right for the general good of our nation. Let us begin to pattern our lives in emulation of late Azazi’s life of devotion and dedication to national service.”

In his tribute, Gov. Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers said the Niger Delta and Nigeria had lost a perfect military officer, whom he called “General’’.

He said that the Rivers Government would name a major road currently under construction in Port Harcourt after Azazi to immortalise him.

“On Monday, we shall put a signpost to officially name the street, a major road we are currently constructing opposite Elekahia, to be named, “General Andrew Owoye Azazi Street,” Amaechi said.

The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, described Azazi as a man of integrity, whose laudable achievements in national service speaks volume.

“I can say that he is a man of integrity and that is one virtue that stood him out as an

accomplished military officer and great leader.

“Truly, a great man has gone but let me say here that greatness is never about what you have but it is about what you do with what you have,” Oritsejafor said.

Among the dignitaries that attended the burial ceremony were traditional rulers and the former governors of Cross River and Bayelsa, Mr Donald Duke and Mr Diepreye Alamieyeseigha respectively. Also in attendance were some members of the Federal Executive Council and state and federal lawmakers.