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
April 18, 2020

The Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has called on the youths of Ebem in Ohafia local government area of the State to remain calm following the killing of their kinsman and businessman identified as Friday on Friday by a policeman.

The Governor has vowed to stop at nothing to ensure justice is served the late Friday and the errant police officer.

This is the third time in the past two weeks the governor is calling for calm after each extra judicial killing by security agents in the state.

“Abia State Government is shocked to receive the news of yet another alleged extra-judicial killing of a citizen by security agents, this time in Ohafia. We are also receiving reports of ongoing skirmishes involving community youth and security agents.

“The Governor appeals to all parties to ensure immediate restoration of calm to allow proper investigation to be conducted with a view to bringing those who are culpable to justice. The Transition Council Chairman of Ohafia LGA, Prince Fred Idika, has been directed to immediately meet with the family of the bereaved and others affected by the unfortunate skirmish to express the sincere condolences of the Government of Abia State and reassure them that everything possible will be done to ensure that justice is served.

“We wish to reiterate that we will not accept the unwarranted killing of any citizen or resident of the state and demand once more that security agents enforcing the COVID-19 necessitated lockdown in the state do so within the operating guidelines for maintenance of internal security as issued to all arm bearing forces in Nigeria. Reckless killing of unarmed civilians will not be tolerated by this administration and we call for an end to it forthwith.

“Once again, we urge the youths in Ohafia in particular and the State in general to be calm as we shall leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances that led to this latest unfortunate incident and ensure justice is served” he said.

The victim was rushed to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia where he was pronounced dead.

The development was said to have angered youths of the area who took to the street to demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officers involved in the extra judicial killing.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW…

https://youtu.be/_7LT57yr548

Abba Kyari, deceased chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has been buried in Abuja.

On Friday, the presidency announced the death of Kyari who died as a result of complications from COVID-19.

https://youtu.be/9PMiPlAOdwE

The president’s chief of staff was on self-isolation after testing positive for the disease in late March.

The burial rites for the late chief of staff were conducted at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.

Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesman, was among those at the funeral to pay their last respect to the deceased.

In a tweet, Bashir Ahmad, presidential aide, had said Kyari would be buried in the day according to Islamic rights.

“The remaining of Mallam Abba Kyari has arrived in Abuja where he will later today, be buried according to Islamic rites,” he said.

See photos below..

The remains of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, has arrived at the defence guest house in Maitama, in Abuja.

Recall that the spokesperson to President Buhari, Femi Adesina, had announced the development on his Twitter account on Friday.

https://youtu.be/zTSZnei-moE

Abba Kyari, on Friday, however, gave up the ghost due to complications from Coronavirus, which he tested positive to back in March.

The deceased who is native of Borno State in the northeast was a powerful figure in President Buhari’s government.

The report of his death has been greeted with various reactions from Nigerians and prominent individuals.