Newly sworn in Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna state has pledged to build on the foundation laid by the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa . The 43-year old Ramalan Yero was sworn into office at a solemn ceremony at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House,Kaduna.
Yakowa died last Saturday in the Naval helicopter crash in Bayelsa state, along with a former NSA , Gen. Owoye Azazi, and four other persons. Yero has announced in a broadcast that Yakowa’s remains will arrive Kaduna on Monday.Also, the new governor in a broadcast declared 7 days mourning .Flags are expected to fly at half mast during the period.Also,local government councils are to open condolence registers throughout the state.
Earlier,Justice Raheela Cudjoe ,Kaduna state Chief Judge administered the oath of allegiance and the oath of office on Yero, making him the 18th governor of the state since its creation in 1976.
Yero praised his predecessor whom he described as as a detribalized governor. “We are living testimonies to the fact that our amiable Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, served humanity in various and diverse capacities and has suddenly, without notice, returned to our Creator.
“His humility, dedication to duty, fairness to all a d a high sense of humour, endeared him to many, irrespective of religious, tribal or sectional inclinations.
Related story:Muktar Yero Sworn in as Kaduna State Governor
“The vision of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa was to secure, unite and develop Kaduna state and he invested so much on these and started reaping the fruits of his labour and I sincerely desire to build on the good foundation that my boss has laid.”
Former Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi was among the Prominent indigenes of the state who witnessed the swearing in. Makarfi noted in the condolence register that “from Him we came and to him we shall all return.
“Words alone cannot express my deep sorrow and sadness over such a great loss at a time we need all hands on deck to restore and maintain peace in our dear state and country. I personally have lost a friend and brother and I am sure it the same with so many others.”
More Reports from Kaduna
Textile Workers’ Union, JNI, ACF, Others mourn Yakowa
Several groups have been Reacting to the death of Governor Yakowa .One of such is Bishop of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Joseph Bagobiri, who said the death of Yakowa was a monumental loss.
He said , “he was a gentle, God-fearing and self-less leader who ran an all-inclusive government where no persons were excluded on the basis of religion and ethnicity.”
The Chief of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonnat said “this is a very sad moment of our lives as the late Governor Yakowa tried his best during the various crises in the state in his efforts at bringing the different shades of people of the state together as one.
“He will be surely remembered for his love for peace and he brought in development as well and we hope that his deputy, now the governor will continue from where he stopped.”
A Muslim group the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) the news of Yakowa’s death came as rude shock.
Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu ,JNI Secretary General said in a statement that, “JNI uses this medium to condole with his immediate family, friends, relations and above all the good people of Kaduna state and in the same vein, we implore all to be law-abiding, and do all activities with restraint and caution.
“Consequently, we call on the new governor to govern with the fear of Allah, equity, justice and fairness as he discharges his mantle of leadership while praying that Allah’s guidance will be with him as he pilots the affairs of the state. We call on all and sundry to give him the desired support.”
The pan Northern Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in a press statement by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, said that, “the ACF received with severe shock and heavy heart the news of the sudden deaths of governor Yakowa of Kaduna state and former NSA, Gen. Andrew Azazi, and four others,which fatal event took place through crash of a helicopter in Bayelsa state.
“The losses are not only to their families and associates but also to their states and the nation, precisely because they have gone at the time their services are needed the most.
“Our hearts are all broken by the deaths but we must take solace in the fact that death is a necessary end and will come when it will come.
May their souls rest in perfect peace as we accept to live with what cannot be changed.”
Equally, the Kaduna state council of the Nigerian union of Journalists (NUJ) said “Sir Patrick Yakowa was a man of impeccable character who treated everybody fairly and equally and will miss him for his humility and gentleness.”
Also,the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, theurged his successor to sustain Yakowa’s legacy of develpment.
The union’s President, Oladele Hunsu, and General Secretary, Issa Aremu, in statement said that, “with his death, our union has lost a voice for re-industrialization of the north in general and revival of textile industry in Kaduna in particular.
“As Deputy Governor of Kaduna state under the administration of Namadi Sambo (now the Vice President), the late governor was the Chairman of the Textile Revival Committee which led to unprecedented state policy initiatives on the revival of the industry.
“As governor of Kaduna state in 2010, he together with the Vice President helped to reopen the hitherto closed UNTL Plc in Kaduna which has commendably re-engaged over 1500 workers.
“We bear witness to the remarkable achievements of the late governor towards ensuring sustainable growth and development of Kaduna state which included prompt visit and intervention at unfortunate scenes of violence.”
