By Fola James
Abba Kyari was perhaps one of the most controversial aides of President Muhammadu Buhari that even in death some Nigerians have refused to let him rest in peace.
While some has described his demise a big loss to the country ditto the president, some angry Nigerians who considered him a usurper of power said his death was end of an inglorious era.
The same, however, cannot be said of his principal, Buhari who, in death described, his chief of staff as loyal and dedicated friend.
Speaking on behalf of the president, his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said Buhari wished that his chief of staff lived longer but because he has no control over his life he has left everything to God.
Buhari “These are not things that we have a choice in, it’s providence. It’s God who says who goes and who stays.
The President, obviously a deeply religious person, takes it that it cannot be helped. At the end of the day, all of us will also go that way.”
President Buhari who had known Kyari for over four decades said the late chief of staff knew his very ming on any issue .
According to Garba “He had a long working relationship with the President; more than 40 years of being together.
He had a full understanding of the President, he knew exactly where the President stood on every issue and therefore, he was there to fix it for the President and get them done as the President wanted.
He offered 100% loyalty to the President and all of these things that Abba Kyari brought focus to bear on long delayed infrastructure; whether they are road, railway, power and so on, all of them have the imprints of the President on them because this is where the President lived and believed and Abba Kyari was there to ensure that President Buhari, at the end of his two terms, leaves behind legacies that will last and for which he will be remembered and these are the things that Abba Kyari cared for.”
President Buhari said his late aide will be sorely missed because he “was like a pillar there in the Presidency; he was a rallying point of the entire workforce working the President.”
Meanwhile, some other notable Nigerians have described Kyari death as a big loss to the country.
In his condolence message to the federal government and his family, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo simply said “Dolapo and I express our sympathies to the President, Mrs Kulu Kyari, the children, and members of the family on the passing of the late Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President. May the Lord comfort and be with you all in Jesus name.”
The First Lady, Aisha Buhari who, in his lifetime had a very stormy relationship with the deceased said death is inevitable.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he died in the service of his fatherland, adding that Nigerians should join hands to eliminate the dealy COVID 19 from the country.
“His death must be a solemn reminder to all of us that Covid-19 requires all hands on deck soberly, cooperatively, humanly, humanely, justly, equitably, fairly, consolidated 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.” Obasanjo said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Kyari’s death as irreparable loss to his family and country.
“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,” the ex-president said.
On his part, Senate President Ahmed Lawan said Kyari was a dedicated public servant who served his country well.
He said “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,”
While Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said his death should be a sober reflection for all Nigerians to remember all those who have died of the virus and pray for the departed souls.
The chief of staff to the president died on Friday after protracted struggle with the novel corona virus.
He was buried in Kudu National Cemetry in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Saturday according to Islamic rites.
