MORE than two weeks after the fatal crash of a Boeing MD-83 aircraft belonging to Dana Airways, it is disheartening that many issues arising from the disaster have been seemingly left unattended to, even when they required some urgency. The development has again confirmed the absence of an efficient national emergency apparatus to contain disasters and their aftermaths. This is most unfortunate.For a start, the process of identification of bodies has been painfully slow, thereby increasing the anguish of the bereaved. To some extent, this is a thorny problem emanating from the massive destruction of the aircraft, its passengers and contents. It is nevertheless expected that a tidier arrangement should have been made, to quickly give the embattled relatives some respite regarding the burial of the crash victims.It is appreciable that there should be thoroughness in the nature of modern transactions and insurance in order to avoid mistakes. But these processes ought not to delay the release of the deceased to their anxious families.It is sad that seven days after the accident, only seven bodies had been reportedly released to their relatives.Nigerians from all walks of life were seriously affected by the crash, which occurred on June 3rd, killing all 153 on board, including men, women and children; in some cases entire families, squads of corporate ladies and gentlemen, captains of industry and military personnel. On the ground, an unknown number of persons were also killed, with many injured. Before the proclamation of three days of official mourning by President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians had been in shock and sorrow following the crash.Some sources have suggested that it may take as many as 21 days to obtain the DNA evidence required to link a body to its owner. DNA evidence is now a veritable tool for forensics and is widely used for solving a variety of problems, including the investigation of crimes. It is lamentable that Nigeria apparently does not have DNA detection capability.The authorities ought not to wait until there is another tragedy to wake up to their duties.Similarly, must the black box from the aircraft be sent to the United States of America before the country's investigators can learn from its intelligence' The nature of the accident dictates that all matters relating to it should be handled expeditiously.All the bodies that can be positively identified should be handed over to their families in order for them to perform the necessary burial rites.However, the grim fact must be accepted that some bodies on that aircraft may never be found either because they have been mutilated. For this group, the state shouldorganise some sort of mass burial.These are areas of great sensitivity to a people as religious as Nigerians.It is suggested that after consultations with relevant authorities, including Christian and Moslem clerics, an interdenominational service should be performed for the repose of their souls.It is a matter of concern that up till now, no official has taken responsibility for the accident either directly or otherwise. Elsewhere, when events like this occur, senior officials resign their appointments even if they are not directly responsible for the accident.It is a requirement of high office that whatever goes wrong on their watch becomes their responsibility.If Nigeria follows best practices as in other clime, even ministers have been known to resign their appointments on the strength of rumours, which they feel have damaged their credibility or esteem before their people. This culture of assuming responsibility is largely unknown here.Officials of Dana Air, without the benefit of the results of the investigation, have annoyingly exonerated themselves from all blame ' yet they own the crashed plane! The Managing Director of Dana Air is doing rounds with stakeholders, leaving Nigerians to wonder whether he is truly sorry for what has happened, or is intent on promoting his business.Similarly, the timing of the turbaning of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Dan Majen of Kano by the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero is wrong, coming only a few days after the accident, and despite the fact that some CBN personnel and contractors were among the crash victims.The turbaning should have been rescheduled, to fully commiserate with the bereaved and other Nigerians. Besides, it is not objectionable for a person to be honoured by his community.But Mallam Sanusi is a paid public official and should be circumspect in his dealings. It would have been preferred if he took his turbaning after his tenure has expired. Proceeding with the eventportrayed him as imperious and insensitive to issues around him.Four days after the occasion, Mallam Sanusi startled his workers by appearing in his Abuja office in traditional chieftaincy attire.He should have known that this is capable of being misinterpreted, and therefore be more cautious. Senior public officials should learn to discipline themselves, uphold their office, and preservethe serene atmosphere for which the civil service is known worldwide.
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