President Muhammadu
Buhari on Saturday penned a personal tribute to Abba Kyari, his late Chief of
Staff.
The tribute was
released by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
Buhari wrote: “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 organizational 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.”
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