DANA Crash Probe: Trust Me, Jonathan Begs Nigerians

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Nigerians to trust him, saying that firm decisions would be taken over the Dana Air plane crash in Lagos on Sunday, just as he set up a 10-man presidential administrative and technical committee to investigate the remote cause of the crash which claimed over 200 lives.

President Jonathan said he had directed that the fullest possible investigation be conducted into the remote and immediate causes of the Dana crash.


Jonathan, who was dressed in black attire and a black cap to match signed the condolence register opened for the victims of the air crash, alongside his ministers who were all wearing black attire to mark the three days’ mourning period which ended yesterday.

He said the investigation must be done “with a view to ensuring that the proper lessons are learnt from it, and that, going forward, every necessary measure is effectively implemented to enhance the safety of air travellers in Nigeria”.

He also directed that tariffs and other taxes as they relate to the aviation industry should be scrutinised to come up with recommendations as to where the federal government can further assist the sector.
The president said, “While the official mourning period ends today, no one can doubt that the pain and anguish of the shocking, sudden and unexpected loss of highly valued lives in that horrendous plane crash will remain with us all long after this day has ended.

“My heart goes out to the immediate families of all the Nigerian and foreign victims of the crash. We continue to pray that God Almighty will grant them divine solace and consolation. I have directed that the fullest possible investigation be undertaken into the remote and immediate causes of the crash with a view to ensuring that the proper lessons are learnt from it, and that, going forward, every necessary measure is effectively implemented to enhance the safety of air travellers in Nigeria.

“In addition to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Federal Ministry of Aviation Committee on the strengthening of the financial stability and growth of domestic airlines, I have also directed the coordinating minister of the economy/minister of finance, the minister of trade and investment, the governor of the Central Bank, and the chief economic adviser to the president to further look into our tariffs and other taxes as they relate to the aviation industry and come up with recommendations as to where we can further assist the sector.”

Urging Nigerians to be patient till investigation is concluded, Jonathan said: “In the past few days since the crash, our newspapers, airwaves, and social media have been awash with all manner of theories and speculations on the cause of the tragedy. I urge that there should be no rush to judgment. The lives of all Nigerians and foreigners in our country are precious to this administration. We will continue to do everything possible to protect lives and prevent avoidable deaths.

“I assure all Nigerians and the international community that the investigations which I have ordered will be very thorough. Let me warn that where clear dereliction of duty is established, firm action will be taken.

This administration stands ready to take whatever action may become necessary after the investigation to prevent the recurrence of air mishaps.”

Briefing State House correspondents after a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in honour of victims of the Dana Air crash alongside Information minister, Mr. Labaran Maku and presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, aviation minister Mrs Stella Oduah said the reports on the remote causes of three previous air crashes involving Bellview, Sosoliso and ADC airlines were ready.

She added, however, that the secretary to government of the federation, herself and the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will have to approve them before they are released within a couple of weeks.
The two black boxes recovered at the crash site, she also said, would be taken to the United States today for a proper analysis that could aid the investigation process.

Oduah said the presidential administrative and technical committee chaired by Captain John Obakolo also has the mandate to assess all the domestic schedules of airlines, and ensure that their managements are in line with international best practices.
She said: “Mr President has graciously approved the names of those that will be part of the investigative panel. As you are aware, there are two investigative panels that will be going on simultaneously.

“We have to do it in line with what is obtainable in the aviation sector. And so, immediately an accident takes place in aviation, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) commences to investigate.

The reason why this is done is to ensure that we don’t have a reoccurrence and so we are very preventive in aviation – not to have this happen again. Most important it is to determine the cause of the accident.

Members of the Technical and Administrative Review Panel are: Group Captain John Obakpolor (rtd), chairman; Captain Austin Omame, Capt Dele Sasegbon, Dr OB Aliu, Engr FC Onyeyiri, Capt Mfon Udom, Capt Muhtar Usman, Dr Tony Anuforom and Capt A Mshelia

US, China, France demand bodies of nationals for burial Meanwhile, the United States, China,

France and other foreign countries have asked the Lagos State government to release the bodies of their citizens who died in Sunday’s ill-fated Dana plane crash in Lagos for proper burial.

The consul-general of the affected countries met with Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and demanded the release of the bodies.
Speaking on behalf of the diplomats, the consul-general of China, Liu Xianta, said members of the diplomatic corps were very appreciative of the efforts of the state government on the incident.

Responding, Fashola said that the meeting was convened to enable him convey condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state and to share with the diplomats the processes by which the foreign missions could identify their nationals who were involved in the mishap.

Source: Leadership News.