News - My bond with Kaduna State, by Jonathan

[TGD]

 PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Monday described the tragic death of former governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State as a unifying factor between him and the people of the state.

According to Jonathan, Yakowa's death is one that both the people of Bayelsa and Kaduna states would not forget in a hurry. The President spoke when Yakowa's successor, Mukthar Ramallan Yero, led a delegation of eminent persons from Kaduna on a condolence and solidarity visit to him.

Yero was Yakowa's deputy and became governor after his death in the helicopter crash alongside former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi, on December 15, 2012. President Jonathan urged Yero to ensure political stability in the state even as he charged both the governor and the entire people of Kaduna to be strong.

He prayed God to grant him the wisdom to correctly pilot the affairs of the state, especially given its strategic importance in the political life of the North and the country. He said: "We thank you for this visit to interact with us. We appreciate it and I join the Vice President to express my deep appreciation to my good brothers and sisters in Kaduna State.

"What happened on that fateful day that we lost our governor and Gen. Azazi was a calamity that both Kaduna and Bayelsa states will continue to feel for a long time to come.

"To succeed requires the support of your people. Kaduna State is a very important state. It is the fulcrum of Northern politics and it is a place around which everything revolves. So, governing Kaduna State is really carrying a lot of responsibilities because your duty is beyond making food available on the table of the people. You have a duty to stabilise the politics of Northern Nigeria, especially that of Kaduna."

He added: "On my part, I promise that my relationship with Kaduna State has been further cemented by the incident that happened, that is, losing Yakowa and Azazi the same day in my own state. It is something that cannot be erased. It has brought a permanent bond between me, as a person, with my good brothers and sisters from Kaduna State. I will continue to work with you."

Also, Vice President Namadi Sambo thanked the delegation for the visit, stating: "We will continue to pray for the repose of the soul of my brother and good friend, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, and also that of Gen. Azazi."

Yero thanked the President for his "fatherly support" to the state since the death of Yakowa, and extended the condolences of the delegation to President Jonathan over the incident, as well as on the death of Azazi.

He said the President's physical presence at Yakowa's burial showed great leadership quality. He also used the opportunity to commiserate with Jonathan over the death of his younger brother, Meni, recently.

The delegation included the Deputy Governor, Mr. Nuhu Audu, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi (former governor), Senator Esther Nenadi Usman (former Minister of Finance), and former military governor of Old Rivers State, Gen. Zamani Lekwot, as well as traditional rulers, prominent clerics and politicians.



The Guardian

[Folami David]

Governor Yakowa's death came as a shock to everyone.
May his soul rest in perfect peace

[Shola Sholaz]

Kaduna must have really felt their Governor's early exit. It was very sad.Felt for the wives and kids