JANUARY 2016 — A book based on a controversy arising from Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah’s homily at the funeral of a former Kaduna State governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, will be launched in Kaduna in January 2016. Entitled A Funeral, a Sermon & a Comment: Matters Arising from Yakowa’s Death, the book is edited by Francis Ulal Damina.
It contains Kukah’s homily, a rejoinder to the homily by newspaper columnist Abubakar Gimba, and reactions to Gimba’s rejoinder by contributors such as Mohammed Haruna, Aniebo Nwamu, Yusufu Atang Tanko and Sylva Manti Ngu.
The book’s launch has been postponed twice, the last time because of the controversial rejoinder writer Abubakar Gimba’s death on March 3, this year.
Kukah’s “offence” in his homily, according to the late Gimba, was that he indirectly criticised “scoundrels” who had excluded non-Muslims from governing Kaduna State and thereby “laid the foundation for the unnecessary and sad religious tensions that have continued to dog the state”.
Yakowa died along with Gen. Andrew Azazi in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State in December 2012.
Author Damina’s pre-launch plan, this time, shows that the book will be reviewed by minister of youth and sports Solomon Dalung. The occasion will be chaired by Alhaji Aliko Mohammed Missau, former chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
Chief launchers will include former Akwa Ibom State governor and now Senate minority leader Godswill Akpabio and former chief of army staff Gen. Agwai. Father of the day will be Dr Chris Abashiya. Special guest of honour: immediate past governor of Kaduna State Ramalan Yero.
The chief host of the event will be Kaduna State governor Malam Nasir el-Rufai.
Guests of honour will include education minister Adamu Adamu, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Danjuma La’ah, presidential media assistant Garba Shehu, Bishop Kukah, and former Rivers State governor and now transportation minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Distinguished guests will include Senator Robert Borrofice, Senator George Akume, and Gen. Zamani Lekwot.
Mothers of the day: Mrs Farida Mohammed (former ambassador to the Gambia), and Ms Alache Ode.
Royal fathers: Emir of Jema’a Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammed and HRH Agwatyap Dr H. Bungon. Spiritual fathers: Sheik Ahmad Gumi and Bishop J. Bagobiri of Kafanchan.
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