It was a big shame for President Goodluck Jonathan and other political leaders on Saturday in Bayelsa State as Bishop of Bomadi Catholic Diocese, Vicarage Hyacinth Egbebor, in his homily, blamed the crash that killed former NSA Andrew Azazi and former Governor Patrick Yakowa on corruption.
At the state funeral of Azazi in Peace Park, Yenagoa, attended by President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, the Minister of God insisted that leaders in the country were so corrupt that they had compromised the safety of everywhere, including the airspace.
The cleric wondered why within one year, Nigeria had recorded three air mishaps including the December 15 tragedy at Okoroba in Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Slowly and gently, the priest, who intermittently drew applause from those at the solemn occasion, highlighted the failings of the government. Comparing the country’s airspace and aviation management to America and Europe, the cleric said Nigeria had become a joke.
Turning to the Military Chiefs present, the priest said it was unfortunate that corruption had crept into the military. “Corruption is the only underlying evil that is responsible for the air mishaps. If the military cannot guarantee the safety and security of their own, who else can they protect?
“If there is anywhere one looks for excellent performance, it is the military. Now we have compromised excellence for money. Money has taken over,” he said.
Slowly and gently, the priest, who intermittently drew applause from those at the solemn occasion, highlighted the failings of the government. Comparing the country’s airspace and aviation management to America and Europe, the cleric said Nigeria had become a joke.
Turning to the Military Chiefs present, the priest said it was unfortunate that corruption had crept into the military. “Corruption is the only underlying evil that is responsible for the air mishaps. If the military cannot guarantee the safety and security of their own, who else can they protect?
“If there is anywhere one looks for excellent performance, it is the military. Now we have compromised excellence for money. Money has taken over,” he said.
