Wada’s Chief Press Secretary Richard Elesho said Iyayi’s death was a loss to the academic community, the labour union and Nigeria.
Elesho said the timing of the accident was painful and tragic, when viewed against the role the late academic played in uplifting the educational system.
He said Iyayi’s death, as many others on Nigerian roads, was caused by bad road and reckless driving.
Elesho said: “It’s unfortunate that accidents kill more Nigerians after malaria. Nigeria is ranked 191 of 192 countries with unsafe roads and with 162 deaths per 100,000 from accidents.
“According to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, over 1.3 million people are killed annually in road accidents, with over 50 million people injured.
“Prof Iyayi’s death, painful as it was, is regrettable and has delayed the resumption of students.
“Most writers have painted Governor Wada in bad light, tagging him a killer, murderer and hired assassin.
“They said the accident occurred because of over speeding, recklessness and wrong overtaking by the convoy.
“This is sad. Those who know Capt. Wada know that the governor abhors violence.
“His training as a pilot commands no contrary view. Aviators like doctors are trained to protect life.
“Yes, the death of the revered academic occurred sadly through the escort vehicle in the governor’s convoy. But the accident occurred after other vehicles in the convoy, including the governor’s, had entered Lokoja.
“The ill-fated escort vehicle was said to be trailing behind after it developed a fault.
“Even then, government did not deny that the escort was part of the governor’s convoy.
“Wada didn’t supervise the death of Iyayi as being erroneously painted by the media.
“The governor got to know of the accident long after it occurred. He was overwhelmed when by the news, which further compounded his sense of loss. And promptly he set aside other state duties to rush to the hospital.
“The role played by the media in announcing the death was not out of place. What is worrisome is the manner most writers skewed the accident and involvement of the governor, who was made to look as if he fled the scene. “
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What will you say,mr special adviser...you are being paid for this assignment,Are you not a Nigerian ?,don't you see the way those in power and their escort drive? What else do you want to tell us,we have seen many of these happening here in Nigeria,the moment masses elected them they become Demi god,even this is the second time this will happen to the same Govenor ,better you tell him the truth before the useless driver claim his life.
ReplyDeleteAll this excuse is not acceptable to Nigerians,Wada has no option than to take responsibility for the death of Iyayi,he has to bury him and compensate his immediate family