Patience Jonathan weeps for Yakowa

The First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Monday broke down and wept at the official residence of the late Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, when she came on a condolence visit to the family.This came just as the arrival of late Yakowa’s corpse to Kaduna was delayed by another 24 hours and will now arrive the state on Tuesday.

The first lady, who arrived the Kaduna government house at exactly 1.12pm and departed at exactly 2.08pm said, “I am sorry that I cried. I cried because I am a woman and I know what the late governor’s wife is passing through at the moment. We came here to console her and sympathise with the good people of Kaduna State.

Her words, “Yakowa was a peaceful man. He was everything, a strong and hardworking man. My sister and friend, we seat here with you in sorrow. I want you to know that you are now the mother and father of your children and we will continue to hold you in prayers.

“It is only God that can comfort because man cannot comfort you. May Almighty God comfort you. It is quite unfortunate because this is the time we need Yakowa most in our lives; but God has called him. My beloved sister, takes heart, bears it and be there for your children.”

On the condolence register, she wrote, “our dearly beloved Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, we received with rude shock, the news of your sudden and painful departure. We, however, give God praise that you lived a worthy life full of honour and integrity.

“We are also gladdened that you were a true patriot who was devoted to the welfare of your people without respect for the divides and differences. Our prayer is that God almighty will receive you into His peace and grant your sweet repose.”