President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has extended warm condolences to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the untimely deaths of Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former National Security Advisor Gen. Owoye Azazi, along with their aides and two pilots in a tragic helicopter crash that occurred in Nembe, Bayelsa State.

The deceased were returning from the funeral of another astute Nigerian on Saturday, December 15, 2012 when the tragic incident hit.

The President noted that the late Governor Yakowa and Gen. Azazi were "towering statesmen who made tremendous contributions and sacrifices to the peace and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and had dedicated themselves to selfless service to their countrymen even up to the hour of their unfortunate and untimely deaths".

In her message, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, extended to His Excellency, Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and through him to the people of Nigeria, particularly the grief-stricken populace of Kaduna State, and the bereaved families, heartfelt condolences for the irreparable loss sustained.

She added that the people of Liberia join the Nigerian Leader and the people of Nigeria in this hour of bereavement, and prayed that the Almighty God will grant them succor and fortitude as they go through this painful period of grief.

The Liberian Leader further prayed that the souls of President Jonathan's gallant countrymen will rest in peace.