From Julius B. Kezi, Kaduna
Communities in Southern Kaduna have been called upon to shun all forms of differences and form a united front against terrorism, for their survival and wellbeing.
The senator Representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Danjuma La’ah, the Shettiman Kagoro, made the call on Friday at Goska, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while addressing mourners at the funeral service of Late Rt.Hon. Barrister Gideon Morik.
Senator Danjuma La’ah said there was need to avoid all tendencies and forms of tribal, religious, political and social discrimination, and unite against terrorism sweeping across the country, especially in Southern Kaduna.
The parliamentarian said, “Remain focused on the survival, peace and progress of the area by shunning all forms of discrimination. I know, I am being hunted on the truth I stand for, but I don’t care, because God knows my intentions, the concern for the empowerment and wellbeing of the people of this area. I must tell my Muslim and Fulani brothers the truth, that you are being deceived. We have lived as brothers and sisters peacefully, do not go into violence, which does no good to the country and this government”.
While urging Nigerians to rise against terrorism, he assured that the National Assembly is working assiduously with all arms of governance to ensure terrorism is nipped to allow the country to witness peace, unity and development as before.
Lamenting the sorry state of affairs in Southern Kaduna, as a result of violence which resulted into loss of lives and property, Senator La’ah said there have been persistent crises in some part of the country and no closure or attempted relocation of schools, and wondered why the case of Sothern Kaduna was being treated differently.
Delivering a sermon at the funeral service, Rev. Barrister Wakili Kadima, urged Nigerians, particularly people of Southern Kaduna, to believe and trust God, humble themselves, repent of sins, ask God for mercy and grace, think, say and practice truth, justice, which will attract God’s intervention and fight their enemies.
Reading from the Holy Bible, Gen.13:36-52 and dwelling on the Books of Kings, on the story of King David of Israel, Rev. Wakili Kadima likened Late Gideon Morik to King David, who devoted his youth to the service of God and his people.
He described Morik as a quintessential hero, who built bridges of love, friendship and human development across his family, communities, religions and the country, especially in Southern Kaduna.
The clergyman said, as a human being, Late Morik, when he realized he wronged anyone, he quickly go to God and the persons he offended and asked for forgiveness which is essential in life.
Rev. Kadima urged people not to relent in standing for truth and justice, stating that “even though attackers are imported to kill, maim and bruise our people, we shall never be abandoned by God, for He will keep His promise, to defend us. Therefore we will never be conquered and our future shall be far better than what is obtainable now”.
Other speakers at the occasion were the Kaduna State P.D.P chairman and former Aviation Minister, Hon. Felix Hassan Hyat, Her Excellency Dame Amina Patrick Yakowa, His Highness, the Tum Nikyob, Mallam Tanko Tete, and the Vice President Kaninkon Development Association, Mr Bulus.
Ngboni described the deceased as a humbled, detribalized, peace-loving leader, who devoted his time, position and talents in empowering and promoting youth development.
Mr. Felix Hassan Hyat particularly harped on the need for politicians and those in leadership positions to justify the confidence reposed in them by God and the people by exercising justice, forgiveness of offenders, shun discrimination and strive at promoting peace, unity, patriotism and progress in “Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State and Nigeria”.
Barrister Timothy Kambai, former chairman Zangon Kataf Local Government, said Gideon Morik, the first Protem Secretary, P.D.P Jema’a Local Government used his legal knowledge effectively to contribute to the development of the society, thereby promoting the image of legal profession, and left good legacies in the sands of history for emulation of posterity.
The funeral service was climaxed by presentation of legal wears to Master Geoge Morik, one of the sons to the deceased by the Secretary of the Bar Association, Jema’a Local Government Chapter, Barrister Latong, with a prayer that God will raise another Morik and a lawyer in the family.
Other dignitaries who attended the occasion were Hon. Nicholas Garba Sarkin Noma, the Representative of Jema’a/ Sanga in the Houses Of Representatives, a band of clergymen led by Rev Goma Goje- Secretary E.C.W.A Kafanchan DCC, P.D.P. chairman Zone 3 Kaduna State, Mr. Lukas Zamani, Hon. Mrs. Comfort Amwe, P.D.P Woman Leader, Rtd Col. Boman Kachim, Elder Aboki Galadima, former chief of staff, Kaduna State, Hon. Adam Jagaba Adam- House of Rep member for Kagarko/ Kachia and Hon. Mikaiah Tokwak an APC stalwart and permanent Commissioner Two, Local Government Service Commission Kaduna State, amongst others.
Late Gideon Morik Born in 1967 to Mr. and Mrs Yakubu Morik and after his primary and secondary education at Army Children School Bauchi in 1977 attended Command Secondary School Jos before proceeding to College of Advanced Studies Zaria and later ABU Zaria where be bagged Law degree in 1991 and Masters degree in International Relations and Diplomacy in 2008.
He joined politics and became protem Secretary P.D.P in 1998-1999 when he got elected into the Kaduna State House of Assembly where he served diligently till 2007 before his re-election the third time as chairman Jema’a Local Government,(2008-2011). He died on March 16, 2017 as the Assist Legal Adviser P.D.P Kaduna State.
The deceased was an ardent footballer, proprietor and co-proprietor of Gian Killers Football Club Kafanchan and M and D Television Kaduna and was organizing member of KADA GAMES in 2010.
As a member, Nigeria Bar Association, he left to mourn him, three wives, eight children, two brothers and 32 dependents whom he cared for.
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