TheCable

Hosea Azi, chairman of Jos-east local government area in Plateau state, died in a road accident on Sunday, exactly two days after he was sworn into office.

Simon Lalong, governor of the state, described Azi’s death as “very shocking”, disclosing that he was involved in a motor accident at Garaku in Nasarawa state.

“I received the news of the sudden demise of the newly sworn-in management committee chairman of Jos east local government Ccuncil, Dr Hosea Azi, with great shock,” Lalong said in a statement signed by his Emmanuel Nanle, his director of press affairs.

The statement explained that two other persons travelling with him also lost their lives in the accident.

Their vehicle, which was said to be heading to Abuja, reportedly rammed into a stationary truck.

Azi was sworn in to replace Sanda Daura, who was removed from office, “in response to the yearnings of the People of Jos east”.

Lalong described Azi as an astute politician and an academic of repute, who was appointed into government to provide the needed people-oriented leadership having garnered experience as a member of the Plateau house of assembly.

The statement, however, debunked the initial speculation that Azi had the accident with kidnappers that were racing away with him toward an unknown destination.

“Family sources have dismissed such rumour; government has actually confirmed that the death occurred while he was on his way to a legitimate function in Abuja,” the statement said.

The governor expressed government’s condolences to the people of Jos- east, as well as the family of the deceased, and prayed God to grant everyone the fortitude to bear the loss.