Dakolo’s rumoured death spread on the Internet and many thought he boarded the ill-fated aircraft.
He however doused the tension on Twitter on Saturday night when he tweeted, “God saved me.”
Governor, Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State; former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, were in the flight and both died.
While some reports said he changed his mind and decided to travel by road, others said the aircraft was already filled to capacity when Dakolo and his wife attempted to board it.
Dakolo was the winner of the first season of West Africa Idols on May 26, 2007, an edition that had popular singer, Omawumi Megbele, as the first runner-up.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY recovers 6 DEAD BODIES::
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency on Saturday said it recovered six bodies from the scene of the naval helicopter that crashed.
The search and rescue operation, which involved collaboration of response agencies and volunteers, led to the recovery of the bodies of the six passengers on board.
The spokesperson for the agency, Mr. Yushau Shuaib, said the bodies had been deposited in a mortuary and further details on the victims would be announced after their families had been formally informed.
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ORDERS Investigation
The service earlier billed for the Aso Villa Chapel was meant to thank God for her safe return to Nigeria after several weeks of medical sojourn in Germany.
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PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ORDERS Investigation
President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered full investigations into the immediate and remote causes of the Saturday helicopter crash that killed Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser, General Owoeye Azazi, and others.
In a three-paragraph statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President described the death of the victims of the crash as extremely painful.
The statement read, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the deaths.
“The President extends deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states. He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.
“President Jonathan has ordered an investigation into the cause(s) of the crash.”
In a related development, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has described the incident as shocking and unbelievable.
Obi said the incident was as a big blow to the families of the deceased, the states affected by the tragic event.
Similarly, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, on Saturday cancelled a special thanksgiving service slated for Sunday (today).
The cancellation was in honour of the victims of the helicopter crash that occurred in Bayelsa State.
The service earlier billed for the Aso Villa Chapel was meant to thank God for her safe return to Nigeria after several weeks of medical sojourn in Germany.
The service was meant to attract several top government officials, politicians, captains of industry and clergymen among others.
A statement by her Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, said the event was put off in tandem with the mood of the nation.
Mrs. Jonathan sympathised with the relatives of the victims and the entire nation.
- Jessy Brewer Gud morning at endy how do u explain two governors dying on d same day nd besides I heard there is already a celebration going on to replace them ASAP . They not even giving their family members a day or two to mourn them ¤
- Alli Taofik Adewale Why is it in Nigeria that we can't just accept people died naturally? Even if they died in their sleep, the story would be that they were attacked in their dreams. Let's just stop being superstitious!
My heartfelt condolence to the families of the deceased. - Jesse Osayande Vucinic @ Jessy. I agree with you on the part where foul play is involved but not the replacement part. Its politics, they never wait to replace a dead no matter how important that person is. Its the theme of the game. Wasting time wont bring them plus replacing them doesnt stop them from mourning.
- Jesse Osayande Vucinic People die naturally, and accidents do happen but i dont believe two plane crashes of Governors in just little over a month apart is coincidence. Just saying.
- Jessy Brewer Oh pls they do wait they just don't replace them the same day they wait a day or two @ jesse
- Hellen Paul · Friends with Lugard ChristopherDead is dead.like it or nt urs wil cm so when u celebrt sm1 dead e wil celebrt urs.RIP
- Jesse Osayande Vucinic @ Jessy. Right. And they've not been replaced yet. Just talks going on bout who to replace them with plus i dont see much replacement to be done as the dead governor already has a deputy to come in and Azazi doesnt have an official position.
