By Hamilton Nwosa(Head, The New Diplomat’s Business and data tracking desk)
As citizens mourn the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, the President has paid tributes to his late CoS. According to the President in his tribute, Abba Kyari was deeply opposed to corrupt elements in Nigeria.
President Buhari who revealed that he first met Abba Kyari when the latter was in his 20s, said he has known him for the past 42 years. He penned: “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.”
Speaking on the deceased’s traits and accomplishments, Buhari added: “Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on April 17, 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.”
The President disclosed that the late CoS also ensured that all governors and ministers irrespective of demographic background, were given equal access to him, saying Kyari abhorred favouritism.
The President said further: “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.”
