Abba Kyari: Tributes, Condolence Messages
Abba Kyari: The President’s statement:
TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI
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 byproduct of possessing political office.
Becoming my Chief of Staff in 2015, he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement my agenda.
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.
To his loving wife and doting family who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.
Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
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Aisha Buhari Condolence
Aisha on her verified Instagram page offered her condolences to Kyari and others who have died from Coronavirus.
She wished that Allah forgives Kyari of his shortcomings even as she prayed for an end to COVID-19 pandemic.
Her post reads: “From God Almighty, we came and to Him we shall return.
“I condole with Mrs. Kulu Abba Kyari and the entire family of Late Malam Abba Kyari over the death of their husband and father.
“I pray that Allah (SWT) will forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdausi and give the family the fortitude and patience to bear the loss, Ameen.
“While wishing all those infected a speedy recovery, I pray for an end to COVID-19 Pandemic.”
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OMO-AGEGE MOURNS ABBA KYARI
Death has dealt Nigeria a very rude shock with the passing of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba-Kyari and Nigerians must pray for President Muhammadu Buhari for divine help in charting the way forward, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said.
Omo-Agege, in a statement personally signed by him, expressed sadness that Mallam Abba-Kyari who had been one of the President’s major pillars of support, succumbed to the Coronavirus disease.
“Mallam Abba Kyari was a very hardworking patriot; I still recall his last official statement in which he admonished us all about the Coronavirus pandemic’s virulent threat to everyone without any consideration for class, creed or place of origin.
“There is no doubt about his encompassing influence and bold imprints in the conduct of official affairs at the Presidency over the past five years.
“Sadly, his exit came at a time when the world is reeling under unprecedented challenges and at a time when his counsel is most needed.
“Clearly, such grave loss will be deeply felt by President Muhammadu Buhari and we should pray that God Almighty grant Mr. President and Mallam Abba Kyari’s family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
“May God Almighty grant his soul eternal repose,” he stated.
Signed:
Yomi Odunuga ,
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate
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NIPR CONDOLENCE
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has 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.
Being a necessary end that comes at appointed time, it is not the timing of one’s death that is important; rather, what one brings to life matters more. On this score, we derive consolation from the fact 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.
Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, fnipr
President/Chairman, Governing Council
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NAHCON: Condolence Message Over Demise of COS to President Buhari
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.
Late Abba Kyari’s contribution to national development is immeasurable, spanning his public service as commissioner in Borno state to the honourable office he held until his demise. The fourth board of NAHCON, led by my humble self, was greatly honoured to meet and worked with him, even though briefly.
This period calls for sober reflections on the reality of COVID19. The entire management of NAHCON, once again, joins federal government and well-meaning organisations in calling on the general public to unite with government in breaking the transmission chain of this global pandemic. As the President has stated, COVID19 is not a joke, it is a matter of life and death. Guidelines issued by government in curbing COVID19 diseases may cause hardship, but we must agree that these are sacrifices we must make in our own interest. Please stay home unless on essential duty, and observe other preventive measures as directed by federal government and other recognised health organizations.
Once again, on behalf of the entire staff and management of NAHCON, we condole President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal government and entire family of Malam Abba Kyari over the irreparable loss.
Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan,
Chairman/CEO,
NAHCON
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WORKS AND HOUSING MINISTER MOURNS ABBA KYARI
The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu, has described the death of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Malam Abba Kyari, as a great loss to Nigeria.
The minister, who disclosed this in a condolence message he signed on Sunday, said it is gratifying that the chief of staff died while in active service to his fatherland.
Mr Kyari died on Friday from complications of COVID-19 infections. He was buried according to Islamic rites in Abuja.
Engr Aliyu said: “With the demise of Malam Abba Kyari, Nigeria has lost a great man. He was a technocrat par excellence, and a seasoned administrator who deployed his deep knowledge, competence and experience in serving his country.”
The minister condoled with President Buhari for losing a long – time trusted ally and dedicated and obedient aide.
He also commiserated with the deceased immediate family; and the government and people of Borno State for their lost of an illustrious and industrious son. He prayed to the Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“It’s indisputable that Malam Abba Kyari had deployed his intellect, tact and vast knowledge in serving Nigeria as President Buhari’s chief of staff. His finesse and strategic approach to every issue before him easily endeared him to whoever he interacted with. His contribution will be surely missed,” the minister said.
The minister said Malam Abba Kyari would be remembered as one of President Buhari’s dependable ally who had worked tirelessly to actualise the visions and aspirations of the president in rebuilding the country’s dilapidated infrastructure, entrenching good governance and deepening democratic ideals in the country.
He also urged Nigerians to heed to the precautionary protocols issued by health authorities regarding the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world. He said with strict observance of physical and social distancing, the commitment of all relevant authorities, and fervent prayers, Nigeria will overcome this pandemic.
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Signed:
State Minister for Works & Housing Media Office, Abuja
