*AS LATE KYARI’S REMAINS IS INTERRED IN ABUJA
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to his late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on Friday night following complications from the coronavirus disease. Kyari had tested positive for COVID-19 about three weeks ago and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lagos, before he succumbed to the virus.
He was buried yesterday at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, amid outpouring of tributes by Nigerians from all walks of life. Many acknowledged his invaluable role in the success of the Buhari administration and presidency.
In tribute, Buhari praised Kyari for being a loyal friend and compatriot of 42 years, particularly acknowledging him as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, and “the very best of us”.
The statement personally signed by the President and titled, TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI, said, “Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friend and compatriot for the last 42 years – and latterly my Chief-of-Staff – he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.
“He was only in his twenties, when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad – first at Warwick and then law at the University of Cambridge. But there was never any question Abba would bring his first-rate skills and newly acquired world-class knowledge back to Nigeria – which he did – immediately upon graduation.
“Whilst possessing the sharpest legal and organisational mind, Abba’s true focus was always the development of infrastructure and the assurance of security for the people of this nation he served so faithfully. For he knew that without both in tandem there can never be the development of the respectful society and vibrant economy that all Nigerian citizens deserve.
“In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria’s political establishment – who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a by-product of possessing political office.”
After becoming his Chief of Staff in 2015, Buhari said he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement his agenda.
He stated, “There are those who said of him that he must be secretive, because he did not have a high public profile. But Abba was the opposite: he simply had no need, nor did he seek the cheap gratification of the crowd; for him, there was nothing to be found in popular adulation. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.
“Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one – whether minister or governor had access beyond another – and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally.
“He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian – regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty – was heard and treated respectfully and the same.
“Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great.
“Rest In Peace, my dearest friend.”
Buhari added, “To his loving wife and doting family, who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.”
Earlier on, Kyari’s body was interred at 11.21 am by men dressed in protective gear, after prayer for the repose of his soul was held at the Defence House in Maitama, Abuja. His remains had arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 9am from Lagos, where he died on Friday.
The corpse was moved from there to the Defence House, where it was received by government officials, including the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Abubakar Rufai, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, at 10am before heading to Gudu cemetery.
