‘Why Azazi won’t be buried in country home’

The late former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi will be buried in Yenagoa, not his Perentoro-Gbene hometown, Ekeremor Local Government, Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson has said.

Azazi was killed in the December 15 helicopter crash in the state alongside Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and four others.

Dickson, in a statement on Thursday, said the deceased would be laid to rest in a proposed burial site to be named Heroes Park because he was a hero.

According to him, the park will henceforth be the final resting place for all heroes and legends of the state.

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor also said the park had been designated a monumental and historic site.

“It will also serve as a constant reminder of those that gave their all to the service of the state and nation at various times and a source of inspiration to Bayelsans, both present and in the future,” he said.

He said the icons of other dead heroes of the state such as Major Isaac Boro and Ernest Ikoli would be strategically placed at the park as a mark of honour and respect for their selfless service.

He said the facility would be developed into a tourist site.

Dickson said, “The Heroes Park will also become a unique tourism destination, not only for the Ijaw nation, but to other Nigerians and people from other parts of the world.

“The government’s intention is to make the Heroes Park a regular tourist site like the famous Lincoln Memorial and Ground Zero in the United States.”

He also said high profile guests were expected to attend the burial of Azazi begining on Friday (today) with a Service of Songs.

According to him, former Heads of State, governors, members of the National Assembly, top military officers both serving and retired as well as members of the diplomatic corps were expected at the funeral.

The statement also called on the people of the state to participate fully in the burial programmes adding that it was the only way to show their last respect for their dead hero.

Punch Nigeria