President Muhammadu Buhari has been receiving condolence messages from prominent Nigerians and bodies following the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, from Covid-19 complications.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan condoled with the President and the Kyari family over the death of the Chief of Staff, who was buried earlier on Saturday in Abuja.
President Buhari also received condolence messages from Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State on behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum,Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on behalf of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum as well as Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kawra State and Senator Umar Ibrahim Kurfi.
A presidency statement said they all expressed shock and sadness at the loss and prayed that God would console the family of the deceased, the President and the entire nation.
According to the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, “Abba Kyari was a true and immeasurably committed patriot who gave all he had in the service of our country, Nigeria.”
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said: “For you personally, Mr President, this is a deeply personal loss… of your close confidant…associate…and friend.”
Dr. Adesina told President Buhari that, “As the Coronavirus pandemic ravages the world and Africa, may God grant you greater strength and wisdom in our collective battle against this virus.”
On his part, the former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, described Mallam Kyari as “a hardworking, loyal and dependable Chief of Staff who discharged his duties with uncommon commitment and diligence.”
From Labour Unions, the former General Secretary of Textile Union and Vice-President, Industrial Global Union, Comrade Issa Aremu, noted “the remarkable statesmanship” of Mallam Kyari in promoting diversification and industrialization in the country, stressing that he was also a key player in the oil and gas industry.
Writing on behalf of the Governing Council and entire membership of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the President and Chairman of Council, Tony Agenmonmen, said that Mallam Kyari, “served Nigeria with passion, diligence and dedication.”
