Saraki Laments NAF Plane Crash

Mourns Adedoyin

By Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has lamented the crash of Nigeria Air Force (NAF) plane in Abuja on Friday and called for special recognition for the officers – both dead and alive – who partook in the unfortunate national assignment.

Saraki, in a statement by his Media Adviser Yusuph Olaniyonu, commiserated with NAF and the family of the Air Force pilot who lost his life during a crash in Abuja on Friday.

He described the dead pilot and his colleagues who took part in the flying rehearsal ahead of the nation’s 58th independence anniversary on Monday as “true heroes dedicated to their professional calling”.

Saraki said: “I am shocked over the tragic crash of two Nigerian Air Force fighter jets in Abuja that led to the loss of an officer and injuries on others.

“The affected officers are true heroes among countless other military personnel who continue to put their lives on the line to defend and make the country proud.

“Nigeria has lost a truly dedicated and patriotic officer. The departed officer and his colleagues who survived the unfortunate crash deserve special recognition and place in the annals of the nation’s military history.”

He however lauded NAF and other security agencies for the prompt and successful rescue mission which has helped to preserve the lives of other personnel on the rehearsal mission.

Meanwhile, Saraki has also expressed deep shock over the death of the House of Representatives member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in Kwara State, Hon. Funke Adedoyin.

He described the late Adedoyin as a loyal, hard working and compassionate grassroots mobiliser and politician who spent the greater part of her life in the service of her people and humanity.

According to him, the demise of Adedoyin represents a colossal loss to her primary constituency in Kwara State, the House of Representatives, the 8th National Assembly and the entire country.

He said the late lawmaker would be sorely missed for her many works of kindness and philanthropy during her lifetime.

Saraki said: “Hon. Funke Adedoyin – I find it difficult to refer to her in past tense – was a courageous and patriotic public servant. Over the years, as a minister and later on, as the legislator, representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Funke always dedicated herself to the service of the Nigerian people. She lived a life worthy of emulation. Above all, she was a true ambassador of Kwara State.”