Nigerians from all walks of life have begun to condole with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.
Daily Trust reports that Mallam Kyari died on Friday after battling the dreaded coronavirus infection.
Kyari became the first top Nigerian government official to be killed by the COVID-19 since the first confirmed case of the virus was reported in Lagos on February 27.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had on Friday reported fifty-one coronavirus cases, taking the total of confirmed cases in the country to 493. According to the NCDC, 159 patients have been successfully treated and discharged while 17 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the virus in Nigeria.
Mallam Kyari was buried in Abuja on Saturday morning at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, according to Islamic rites amidst mournful moods by state officials and few relations.
Kyari dies serving his country – Obasanjo
A former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over demise of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari who died after testing positive to the coronavirus disease.
Obasanjo, in a condolence letter personally signed and addressed to Buhari, noted that Kyari’s death would be painful to the President, his family and friends, but asked him to take solace in the fact that Kyari died “in the service of his country.”
He said Kyari’s death serves as reminder that COVID-19 “requires all hands on deck soberly, cooperatively, humanly, humanely, justly, equitably, fairly, consolidatedly and comprehensively to be able to fight it successfully and to get all Nigerians back to good health and healthy economy. God will give you and Abba Kyari’s family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Also, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condoled with President Buhari and Kyari’s family over the death of Mallam Abba Kyari.
I condole with H.E @MBuhari, the Kyari family & all sympathisers on the demise of Malam Abba Kyari who until his death was the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria.
May Allah grant him Al Jannah Firdaus & strengthen his family & friends during this moment of grief.
GEJ— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) April 18, 2020
In a tweet he personally posted on his verified Twitter handle: @gejonathan, the Ex-President said: “I condole with H.E @MBuhari, the Kyari family & all sympathisers on the demise of Mallam Abba Kyari who until his death was the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria. May Allah grant him Al Jannah Firdaus & strengthen his family & friends during this moment of grief.GEJ.”
Kyari, a loyal aide to Buhari – Atiku
A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condoled President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, describing the deceased as a loyal aide.
Reacting to Kyari’s death in a statement in Abuja, Atiku said, “I have received the death of your Chief of Staff with profound grief and sorrow, and I convey to you my deepest and heartfelt sympathies at this sombre moment.
“Mr. President, my heart and prayers are with you at this emotionally challenging moment as you come to terms with the death of your dedicated Chief of Staff.
“We are bound by common humanity and I therefore feel and share your grief at this moment. May Allah forgive the deceased and grant him eternal bliss in paradise.”
He explained that the death of the Chief of Staff should galvanize Nigerians to support the efforts to contain this deadly virus.
EDITOR’S PICK: Abba Kyari in the corridors of power
Tinubu: Kyari’s death should not be in vain
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said the death of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari from COVID-19 should not be in vain.
In a condolence message, “We must also use his demise and those of others fallen by the virus to strengthen our resolve in fighting the pandemic.
“We must not allow the passing away of Mallam Kyari and the other Nigerians who have lost their lives to this terrible disease to be in vain. Although we are today made sad, we must also use this moment to strengthen our resolve in fighting the pandemic.
“Let us rededicate ourselves to obeying the public health measures such as physical distancing so that we may defeat the contagion and not fall to it.
“While we must maintain spatial distance from one another we must yet come closer in the spirit of brotherly compassion and national purpose in order to defeat the threat we now face.
“To the family of Mallam Kyari, may Almighty Allah support and comfort them during this painful moment. My condolences are also with Governor Babagana Zulum, the government and people of Borno State over the loss of their extraordinary son.
“I pray that Allah Subuhana Watahalah grant the soul of our beloved Mallam Kyari eternal rest and admit him to Aljana Firdaus,” Tinubu said.
Kyari, a pillar in Buhari’s administration – Lawan
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has also expressed his heartfelt condolence to President Buhari and Kyari’s family over the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi said.
Lawan described Kyari as “a very competent, dedicated and loyal aide, who was a pillar in his administration.”
He added: “He was a man of deep convictions and courage who understood his role and performed it with uncommon dedication and effectiveness.
“He shared the values of President Buhari and his passion for the emancipation of the poor in Nigeria and the all-round development of the country for the benefit of all its people.
“Mallam Kyari played his role well and will always be appreciated, more so now that the Almighty Allah has called time on his earthly sojourn.”
Kyari’s death sad, shocking – Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday said he’s saddened by the death of President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, saying Nigeria has lost a patriot in the person of Mallam Kyari.
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Gbajabiamila said, “With Kyari’s and other Nigerians’ death as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the country needs to do everything possible to avoid further spread of the disease, while taking care of those that tested positive so far.”
Kyari lived a good life of honesty, commitment to nation building – Yahaya Bello
In a condolence message to the President, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, said “Mallam Kyari lived a good life of honesty, commitment to nation building and service to God and humanity.
“He undoubtedly had been a pillar of support to you in your enviable and exemplary journey since your assumption of office in 2015 as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“While I pray the Almighty Allah to give you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant late Kyari eternal rest, please accept once again my heartfelt condolences.”
Kyari’s death, a great loss to Buhari’s administration – Okowa
Delta state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has described the demise of Mallam Abba Kyari as a great loss to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday, Okowa assured the President and the entire Kyari family of the support and prayers of his family, Delta Government and people of the state at this trying period.
“His death remains a great loss not just to his family and President Buhari’s administration, given his coordinating responsibilities to the President.
“Indeed, the late Abba Kyari was very supportive of the President and I can only imagine the grief and sorrow that has befallen our dear President on this loss.
“Mallam Kyari will be sorely missed by the Presidency and all those whose lives he had touched in several positive ways,” Okowa said.
ALSO READ: Abba Kyari’s last moments
Kyari’s demise ‘painful’ – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the death of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, as depressing and saddening.
The PDP, in a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, comforted President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kyari family, government and people of Borno state and the nation at large for the “painful loss” and prayed that the Almighty Allah grants Mallam Kyari eternal rest.
Similarly, the PDP commiserated with families of all the victims of COVID-19 pandemic and prayed for the speedy recovery of the sick who are receiving treatment in various isolation centers.
We celebrate the indelible strides of Mallam Kyari – APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has sympathized with the families of Mallam Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff and one of the closest advisers to President Muhammadu Buhari over his demise.
The party, in a statement signed on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, said, “Even in death, the fond memories and indelible strides Mallam Abba Kyari left on earth will be celebrated for a long time. We remember a cerebral Nigerian who excelled in his private dealings, professional endevours and public service.
“The president has indeed lost a competent, trusted, loyal, strong right hand man and longtime adviser who promoted, protected and defended his interest in good times and adversity.”
No man is brave in ideas like Kyari – Barrister Zannah Mustapha
Barrister Zannah Mustapha, the founder and Director of Future Prowess, has described the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, as a very strong man who is “brave in his ideas.”
“He was the only person sponsoring 150 orphans in Future Prowess and he started this in 2010. He warned me never to tell anybody. May Allah grant him ALJANNA,” he tweeted via his Twitter handle: @zbmustapha1 on Saturday.
The world is a stage where plays. I have never met a Man very strong and brave in his ideas than Abba Kyari.He was the only person sponsoring 150 orphans in Future Prowess and he started this in 2010.
He warned me never to tell anybody. May Allah grant him ALJANNA— Barrister Zannah Mustapha (@zbmustapha1) April 18, 2020
Senate Minority Caucus mourns Kyari
The People’s Democratic Party Caucus in the Senate has expressed shock over the death of Mallam Abba Kyari.
In a statement by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the caucus expressed its condolences to the President, the presidency, the federal government and the family of the deceased.
The caucus, he said, was saddened that late Chief of Staff died at a time the President and the government needed his services and wise counsel the more, particularly now that the country is grappling with the negatives of the global pandemic.
“We in the Senate Minority caucus condole with President Buhari, the Federal Government and the family of Mallam Kyari and pray that the Lord receive his soul and grant him eternal rest,” Abaribe said.
Anambra APC commiserates with Buhari over Kyari death
Anambra State chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, after battling coronavirus disease.
The Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Mr. Okelo Madukaife in a statement released on Saturday in Awka on behalf of the party described Kyari’s demise as a huge loss to the Presidency.
According to him, hopefully Kyari’s death and that of 16 others, for which the nation condoles with respective state government and families, will remain a rallying point to defeat COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“Abba Kyari, will not only be missed by the government cadre and the intelligentsia, but by the corporate world where, as a big player who distinguished himself as a captain of industry, where he later chaired a very successful bank in the country,” he added.
Onyeama, EU, UK shocked by Kyari death
Foreign affairs minister Geoffrey Onyeama has expressed shock over the demise of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.
“In deep shock and sorrow at the passing of Abba Kyari, a best friend and brother, Chief of Staff to President Muhammasu Buhari. A great Nigerian Patriot. Irreplaceable rest in peace,” he tweeted.
The Head of the European Union to Nigeria, Ketil Karlsen, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing on their Twitter handles both expressed sadness at the death of the late Chief of Staff of the President.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Abba Kyari. My thoughts are with his family.He became a friend & was an inspiration with his passionate approach to development of Nigeria in general and the north in particular. May his soul rest in eternal peace,”Karlsen said.
“I am so very sad to hear this terrible news. Abba Kyari was an exceptional man who worked tirelessly for his beloved Nigeria. On behalf of everyone @UKinNigeria sending deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We will miss him very much,” Laing said.
Kyari death a battle cry to fight Covid-19, says Fayemi
Ekiti governor and chair of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, has called the death of Abba Kyari saddening and devastating.
He said the death of Kyari, Buhari’s chief of staff, should serve as a battle cry of unity for all Nigerians irrespective of their affiliations to join hands with the government to wage a total war against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 is a common enemy that we must all defeat, Mallam Kyari’s death should further fire our collective resolve to fight the pandemic to a standstill,” he said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased on this very huge loss. I also commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari on the loss of a dependable ally and a loyal aide. May the Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Nasarawa governor mourns Kyari death
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa says, “Nasarawa State mourns with the nation, as we reflect upon the life of this remarkable politician, nationalist and exceptional statesman who exemplified patriotism, love for the common man and skills of astute leadership and great determination.”
Governor Sule said politics has lost a man who was a powerful force for patriotism, discipline, peace, unity and national service.
NIPR mourn Kyari’s death
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has on Saturday described the death of the Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari as a huge loss to the country.
President of the Institute, Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, in a statement said it received with “sadness and shock but also with total submission to the will of God, news of the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari” .
He said Abba Kyari lived an exemplary life in service to the nation stating that “Mallam Abba lived a life well spent serving his country diligently in various capacities, in both private and public sectors. On behalf of the Institute, I convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family, President Muhammadu Buhari and indeed all Nigerians over the death of Mallam Abba.”
” It is our earnest prayer that Allah (SWT) forgives his faults, grants him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and grants the family and all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”he said.
NAHCON mourns death of Abba Kyari
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has described the death of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari as a huge loss to the country.
Chairman of the commission, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan who described the late Chief of Staff as a humble man in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday, said Kyari’s contribution to national development is immeasurable, spanning from his public service as commissioner in Borno state to the position he held before his demise.
“It is with deep sense of pain that we at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, received the news of the demise of a noble soul, Malam Abba Kyari OON, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. However, we take solace in the fact that he, Malam Abba Kyari, a humble man, left this world in the league of martyrs” he said.
“The fourth board of NAHCON, led by my humble self, was greatly honoured to meet and worked with him, even though briefly” the chairman said.
MURIC, CAN mourn, commiserate with Buhari
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari on the demise of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari after a brief illness occasioned by the COVID-19.
In a Letter of Condolence to the President, CAN said, “We are particularly sad that he contracted the virus while on duty abroad. He has thus sacrificed his life in the course of service to his motherland. That spoke much of his patriotic devotion to greatness of our nation.”
MURIC in a separate statement said, “Abba Kyari will be remembered for his uncommon loyalty, his incomparable patriotism and his thoroughness. He was an administrative colossus, a political juggernaut and a spinner nulli secundus. Abba Kyari knew not only how to hit the iron when it is hot, but how to make the iron hot by heating it at the right time.
“MURIC is greatly saddened by the demise of Abba Kyari. We mourn a great son of the soil. A thick darkness has enveloped our great country, Nigeria. But even though our hearts are heavy with grief, we submit as believers to the decree of Almighty Allah in whose hands lies the decision to let live or to recall to mother earth.”
Soludo condoles Buhari over death of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari
A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Prof. Charles Soludo (CFR) has condoled President Muhammadu Buhari on the death of his chief of staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.
Soludo in a statement signed by his media aide ,Joe C Anatune on Saturday described Abba Kyari as a humble man who had a distinguished career in the banking sector, and died in the service of his country.
“Death is a debt that all mortals must pay at God’s will and time,” he stated.
He prayed God to spare the lives of Nigerians from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
He prayed God to grant Mr President and the family of Mallam Kyari the fortitude to bear the loss, while also praying God to grant his soul eternal rest.
AfDB president Adesina condoles with Buhari on Kyari death
African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has offered “deepest condolences” to President Muhammadu Buhari on the passing on Abba Kyari,
“It was with much sadness that I learnt this morning of the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, your Chief of Staff. It is indeed such a tragic loss. May God comfort his family and grant them the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said in a statement.
“For you personally, Mr. President, this is a deeply personal loss. A loss of your close confidant. A loss of your close associate. A loss of your friend. I pray that God will grant you the solitude, comfort and strength at this time, as you deal with this tragic loss.
‘Please accept, Dear Mr. President, my deepest condolences. As the Coronavirus pandemic ravages the world and Africa, may God grant you greater strength and wisdom in our collective battle against this virus. May Mallam Abba Kyari’s soul Rest in Peace.
Governors mourn Kyari death as “worrisome”
Five more governors have expressed their grief over the death of Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday after battling coronavirus disease.
They include Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Darius Ishaku of Taraba, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, Bello Masari of Katsina and Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto.
“The death of Mallam Abba,no doubt leaves a huge vacuum not only in the office he occupied but it also leaves us with a lot to think about in terms of the contagious and debilitating effect of this global pandemic,” Tambuwal said in a statement.
“It is further worrisome that Mallam Abba, an experienced administrator, succumbed to the deadly Corona virus after a brief battle to ensure he remained alive,” he said.
“As we ruminate over the swiftness of this pandemic, we in Sokoto state, extend our heartfelt condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, the family of the deceased as well as the people and government of Borno state over this great loss.”
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