Pledges to uphold Yakowa’s programmesAlhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was yesterday sworn in as the 18th governor of Kaduna state following the death of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa on Saturday.
Yero, who was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Kaduna state, Justice Rahila Cudjoe, said he would continue with the programmes and projects of his predecessor, adding that he would work with the state House of Assembly to implement the budget presented to the house by Yakowa last Thursday.
Immediately after the swearing-in, Yero paid a condolence visit to the widow of Yakowa where he commiserated with her and the family.
Yero said: “It is with heaviness of heart that I make this speech, having just fulfilled the constitutional requirement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The sad event that befell Kaduna state yesterday, Saturday, December 15, 2012 is already public knowledge. Our amiable Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Dan Masanin Gwong, has suddenly left us by answering the call of our Creator.
“His humility, dedication to duty, fairness to all and a high sense of humour endeared him to many near and far, irrespective of religious, tribal and sectional inclinations. The vision of Sir Patrick Yakowa was to secure, unite and develop Kaduna state.
“I sincerely desire to build on the good foundation that my boss has laid, I therefore covet your prayers for God’s wisdom, guidance and direction.
“We have lost a patriot and a leader. We will continue with the good work that he has started. Only last Thursday he presented the budget. We will work with the state House of Assembly to ensure that what he planned will be implemented.”
He expressed gratitude to God that he and Yakowa had resolved their differences only two weeks ago and parted in peace.
“Two weeks ago, I was with him, only the two of us. We discussed our working relationship. I said he was my father, he said I am his younger brother. I told him that I was closer to him when I was commissioner for finance than when I became the deputy governor. We discussed our grievances and resolved our differences, agreeing to work together better. I am happy that we resolved our differences and parted in peace.”
Meanwhile, the new governor yesterday declared this Monday a work-free day to enable the residents of the state mourn the demise of Yakowa.
The state has also declared seven days of mourning in honour of the late governor during which all flags are expected to be flown at half mast.
The remains of Yakowa and Mr Dauda Tsoho, another victim of the air crash, are expected in Kaduna today while burial has been scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Speaking in a state-wide broadcast yesterday evening, Governor Yero said condolence registers have been opened at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House and the Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina State House, Kawo.
He urged all the local government chairmen in the state to open condolence registers in the various headquarters.
“To give honour and due respect to our beloved governor, the government of Kaduna state has declared tomorrow, Monday, 17th December, 2012 as a work-free day in the state and a one-week mourning starting from today, 16th December, until next Sunday, 23 December, 2012.
“During this period of mourning all national flags in the state should be flown at half mast. The sad event that befell us, as we are already aware, had in addition, Mr Dauda Tsoho from Kaduna state, as well as other personalities, prominent among which was the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi. May their gentle souls rest in peace.
“The remains of our beloved Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and Mr Dauda Tsoho are expected in Kaduna tomorrow, Monday, 17 December, 2012. I plead with citizens of Kaduna state to accept this sad situation which we cannot change with total submission to the will of God,” he said.
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