President Goodluck Jonathan Off To Kaduna For Yakowa's Burial.

President Goodluck Jonathan will lead the Federal Government delegation to Kaduna for the burial of late Governor Patrick Yakowa on Thursday.

Yakowa died in Saturday’s helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.

Other victims of the crash are the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, their aides and two co-pilots.

They were in Okoroba in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for the burial of Pa. Obebara Douglas, father of Mr. Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation

The president, who spoke during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting described last Saturday as a black day for the country.

The FEC held a special session in honour of the crash victims.

The atmosphere was solemn at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, venue of the meeting.

It was also the last FEC meeting for the year. The meeting lasted about one hour and 30 minutes.

Part of the ceremony which kicked off at exactly 10.15am and was presided over by President Jonathan included a minute silence in the memory of the victims and the signing of two separate condolence registers for Governor Yakowa and Gen. Azazi, by all cabinet members present.

The Council Chamber was very quite in tune with the mood of the nation, as the ministers wore glooming faces.

They did all possible to control their tears, but it was difficult as tears freely rolled down their cheeks. Condolences poured in from ministers from the six geo-political zones of the country.

President Jonathan later announced the adjournment of the FEC meeting till January 9, 2013.

He described Yakowa as an individual whose politics transcend beyond religion and ethnicity.

Yakowa, according to the president, was a gentleman who believed in the unity of the country.