Could this be the last snapshot of Gov Yakowa and Gen Azazi? – See Photo

A photo by Cosmas Asogwa has emerged and believed to be the last photograph taken of Governor Patrick Yakowa and General Patrick Azazi before their ill-fated helicopter trip in which the helicopter exploded and plunged into the sea as the two men were making their way to Port Harcourt from Okoroba, the hometown of presidential aide, Oronto Douglas.

The photo shows the two men walking away from the photographer. The governor is dressed in a blue traditional attire while the general is in a fresh suit.

The photographer reportedly described Governor Yakowa as “most cheerful man I met today (Saturday)”. He said the governor, upon alighting from the doomed chopper that brought him into Okoroba, beamed with smiles, greeting and acknowledging cheers.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

Press Statement: Pres. Jonathan orders investigation into crash that killed Azazi, Yakowa

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS VICTIMS OF HELICOPTER CRASH

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd), their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba  and Lt. Adeyemi  O. Sowole.

The President extends deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States. He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.

President Jonathan has ordered an investigation into the cause(s) of the crash.

REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media& Publicity) to the President
December 15, 2012.