The sudden removal of Owoeye Azazi as National Security Adviser (NSA) by President Goodluck Jonathan has thrown his Ijaw kinsmen into panic.

“I can tell you that the move took even Jonathan’s close allies, including traditional rulers and the Bayelsa State governor, by surprise. He did not give them advance information of his intention and his kinsmen are really worried, especially as Azazi has been replaced with a northern Muslim whose loyalty Mr. President’s kinsmen say they cannot vouch for,” a competent source close to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa told Transport & Business Express.

The source disclosed that Governor Seriake Dickson and other prominent leaders from Bayelsa have been trooping to Abuja since the announcement of Azazi’s removal was made last night.

“They are surprised and worried that he did not carry them along this time, especially as Azazi is a fellow Ijaw like Mr. President,” the source said.

Transport & Business Express confirmed that Governor Dickson and some other Bayelsa leaders indeed travelled to Abuja today but it was not clear if they had any appointment to see Mr. President.

Azazi has been replaced with retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, son of deposed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, and Aide de Camp (ADC) to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd).