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Nigerian Leaders for Yakowa Book Launch in January

Three years after the then governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, died in a helicopter crash together with former national security adviser Gen. Andrew Azazi in Bayelsa State, a book has been written to answer certain questions about his death and funeral. Was Yakowa actually killed or was it just an accident? Did Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah set out to ruffle feathers through his homily at Yakowa’s funeral? Was it proper for anyone to have published a rejoinder to a bishop’s sermon from a pulpit?

The book, which has arisen from Bishop Kukah’s homily at Yakowa’s funeral, is entitled “A Funeral, a Sermon & a Comment: Matters Arising from Yakowa’s Death”. It is edited by Francis Ulal Damina, and composed of contributions by Bishop Kukah, Adamu Adamu, Mohammed Haruna, Abubakar Gimba, Aniebo Nwamu, Yusufu Atang Tanko, Sylva Manti Ngu (former head of service, Kaduna State) and others.

A statement signed by Mr Francis Ulal Damina of Holy Family Parish, Gidan Bako, Kaduna, in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, says 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. It was, until recently, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 22, in Arewa House, Kaduna, at 11am. But the date has been moved to January 2016 for security reasons.

The authors’ pre-launch plan shows that the occasion will be chaired by Alhaji Aliko Mohammed Missau (OFR), former chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum and pioneer chairman of The Nigerian Stock Exchange Commission.

The book will be reviewed by minister of youth and sports Barrister Solomon Dalung.

Father of the day will be Dr Chris Abashiya (MFR). Mothers of the day: Ambassador (Mrs) Farida Mohammed (former ambassador to the Gambia), and Ms Alache Ode.

Chief launchers will include Chief Benjamin Omale, former Akwa Ibom State governor and now Senate minority leader Godswill Akpabio, former chief of army staff Gen. MT Agwai, Engr. Saidu Aliyu, and Alhaji Ahmad Makarfi.

Distinguished guests of honour: senior special assistant to the president on media Malam Garba Shehu, Bishop Kukah, former Rivers State governor and now transportation minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and education minister Malam Adamu Adamu.

Special guests of honour: immediate past governor of Kaduna State Alhaji Ramalan Yero, and Justice Pius Damulak (chief judge of Plateau State).

Distinguished guests will include Senators Shehu Sani, Robert Boroffice, Danjuma La’ar, Suleiman Hunkuyi, and George Akume.

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.

The chief host of the event will be Kaduna State governor Malam Nasir el-Rufai.

UPDATE: The book launch has, once again, been postponed to sometime in January 2016. It is for security reasons, the organisers announced on Dec. 21.

Zaria, in Kaduna State, has been the scene of a confrontation between Shi’ite Muslims and the Nigerian army since Dec. 12, leading to the deaths of many and wounding of others including the sect’s leader Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

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