A flood tide of reactions has been trailing the death of Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari who succumbed to the COVID-19 disease, Friday.
The presidency confirmed Kyari’s death in a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina.
“The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.”
“The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020. May God accept his soul. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly,” he noted in the statement.
The New Diplomat broke the news in March that Kyari had tested positive for the virus while his principal, Buhari was said to be negative.
Kyari’s COVID-19 status was not immediately disclosed sparking controversy, with many demanding to know his whereabouts. The presidency later released a statement confirming his positive status.
However, before testing positive for the contagion, Kyari, given his top position had met and mingled with President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, many governors, ministers and other top government functionaries, something which raised serious concerns in government circle as all his contacts including the President quickly self-isolated.
Kyari, who returned to Nigeria from Germany on March 14, had participated in several state functions and unofficial engagements that attracted prominent personalities and it was believed Kyari must have contracted the virus while on that official trip.
The late Chief of staff was reported to have had underlying health problems, including diabetes and that may have complicated his battle with the disease.
Kyari, a Kanuri from Borno would later break the silence on his whereabouts in a letter where he told Nigerians that he had been transferred to Lagos to continue with his treatment.
He was flown to Lagos in an Air ambulance to continue his treatment after testing positive for coronavirus.
His letter read in parts: “I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation.
“This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.”
Kyari’s death has continued to elicit reactions from Nigerians since the news broke early Saturday morning.
Below is how Nigerians including some eminent citizens had so far reacted:
https://twitter.com/Tife_fabunmi/status/1251410032815677440?s=19
