Outrage has greeted the attempt by Bayelsa State governor, Ho. Seriake Dickson, to make political capital out of the funeral of former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi (retd.).

Azazi, who died in a helicopter crash on Dec. 15 alongside Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and four others, is being buried in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, rather than his hometown Peretorugbene as demanded by his kinsmen.

As the funeral progresses, an increasing number of Nigerians are expressing outrage over the way Dickson has turned it into a campaign rally. Below are the sentiments expressed by a cross section of Nigerians, who poured out their hearts through the social network, Facebook:

Olola Seun Akioye, Head, National Tobacco Control Campaign at Environmental Rights Action (ERA): Gov Dickson of Bayelsa is disgrace. Is this a political rally or a funeral for Gen. Azazi? This is unacceptable to use the occasion of Azazi’s funeral to launder his shallow political feather.

Joel Nwokeoma, Executive Director, Concerned Professionals Ltd/Gte: Is Seriake campaigning or was he asked to speak about the late Gen. Owoye Azazi? Politicians shud know when to leave politics out of things.

Femi Taiwo, a graduate of the University of Lagos: Gov. Dickson of Bayelsa at Azazi burial, campaigning & giving credits to his performance in government! Is he normal at all?

Kunle Odufuwa, a Lagos resident: Very sad watching Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson use Owoye Azazi's funeral to reel out his administration’s programmes and achievements while members of the immediate family of Azazi and other sympathisers watch with forlorn looks, sad that Nigeria has become a dehumanised society where a Governor could use the torment and sadness of others to sing his own praises and hallelujah.

News Express reports that the funeral of Azazi, who died on his way back from the burial of the father of senior presidential aide Oronto Douglas, is being attended by a galaxy of political and corporate heavyweights.

•Photo: Governor Dickson.

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