Tears as Yakowa’s corpse arrives Kaduna...Kaduna releases burial programme

[DT]

The remains of Governor of Kaduna State Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and that of his associate Dauda Tsoho who died in helicopter crash in Bayelsa State last Saturday arrived in Kaduna yesterday amidst tears by thousands of sympathisers that thronged the Kaduna Airport.  

Their remains were flown to Kaduna in a cargo plane with registration ARANANOB-URCAG around 2.45pm.  

Before the arrival of the plane which conveyed the corpses, a delegation from Bayelsa State led by Deputy Governor John Jonah arrived at the airport in a private jet around 1.40pm.

The remains were received by Kaduna governor Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, Mrs Amina Yakowa, three of her four children, heads of security organisations in Kaduna, traditional rulers and many politicians.

Prayers were offered by Christians clerics including the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN) Kaduna chapter, Reverend Samuel Kujiyat before the remains were put into a waiting ambulance with registration number KDGH 156 by the Nights of St. Mulumba of the Kaduna Archdiocese.

Yakowa's remains were deposited at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kaduna around 4.pm.

In his remarks while handing over the remains of the governor, Jonah described the death of Yakowa as tragic.

"We had a valedictory session in honour of the late Governor; it was a torching session because his death was sharp and unexpected. I don't have the correct words to describe the shocking mood that is running in Bayelsa State," he stated

He sympathized with the people of Kaduna State and advised them to work together with the new governor with a view to moving the state forward.

Responding, Kaduna governor Muktar Ramalan Yero thanked the Bayelsa government for the concern they had shown towards the late governor and his associate Dauda Tsoho.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State government yesterday released the programme for the burial of former Governor Patrick Yakowa.

A statement issued in Kaduna by Governor Mukhtar Yero said a Valedictory Executive Council meeting would hold today at the Government House by 10am to be followed by a Wake-Keep in the evening.

It said the corps will leave St. Gerard Catholic Hospital tomorrow for Fadan Kagoma, Yakowa's birth place for burial.

The statement said Funeral Mass would be conducted at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma tomorrow at 11 am.

Meanwhile the State House of Assembly will also hold a valedictory session in honour of the former governor today.

The information officer of the House of Assembly, Shaibu Abdullahi, said the session would be presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Usman Gangara. The session would hold between 8 am and 9 am at the Assembly in Lugard Hall. (NAN)

Daily Trust

[DT]