Some Nigerian politicians have expressed sadness over the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Kyari died on Friday from Coronavirus complications after suffering some health issues.
He contracted the deadly coronavirus and was diagnosed positive on March 24th. He had been in self-isolation since.
After his condition worsened, he was reportedly flown to Lagos for further treatment. His health deteriorated badly before he eventually passed on.
The Nigerian president has since confirmed his death with a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Femi Adesina.
However, leading with the condolence messages on Twitter is the former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani.
He wrote: “Abba Kyari; The President has lost a trusted & loyal friend. A man who took the bullets of his master with smiles, calmness & silence. We knew his cap & his colors but never his mind or his own side of his story. He will be missed as a Punchman or a punch
Abba Kyari;The President has lost a trusted & loyal friend.A man who took the bullets of his master with smiles,calmness & silence.We knew his cap & his colors but never his mind or his own side of his story.He will be missed as a Punchman or a punch https://t.co/nJ350DBded AK.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 18, 2020
Also, Controversial politician and former Kogi Central Senator, Dino Melaye, took to social media to mourn the former Chief of Staff.
He wrote: “May the soul of Abba Kyari the chief of staff to Mr President rest in peace. May God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss. Everyone must complete this circle someday. Be prepared.”
May the soul of Abba Kyari the chief of staff to Mr President rest in peace. May God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss. Everyone must complete this circle someday. Be prepared.
— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@dino_melaye) April 18, 2020
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fan-Kayode also mourned the death of the former Chief of Staff and asked God to grant him eternal rest.
He wrote: “I have lost a friend of 40 years. We were at Cambridge together. We worked in my fathers law firm together. We remained close throughout right up until the end even though we disagreed politically. Abba was a good man: a man of honor & a loyal friend. May his soul rest in peace.”
I have lost a friend of 40 years. We were at Cambridge together. We worked in my fathers law firm together. We remained close throughout right up until the end even though we disagreed politically. Abba was a good man: a man of honor & a loyal friend. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/GJ5gJOKOff
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) April 18, 2020
Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Festus Kyamo, has condoled with the family of Kyari over the death of their son, Abba Kyari and the Government of Nigeria.
He wrote: “When I chatted with him exactly on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, he assured me his health was fine and that he would faithfully take the treatments. But God always knows best. Sincere condolences to the Kyari family and the Government of Nigeria. Adieu Mallam Abba Kyari.”
When I chatted with him exactly on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, he assured me his health was fine and that he would faithfully take the treatments. But God always knows best. Sincere condolences to the Kyari family and the Government of Nigeria. Adieu Mallam Abba Kyari. https://t.co/EZ3BX2qibd
— Festus Keyamo, SAN (@fkeyamo) April 18, 2020
If you just woke up, our boss, Mallam Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to the President, has passed away, he died last night from the deadly pandemic, #COVID19. Please pray for him.
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 18, 2020
Abba Kyari certainly was one of the most misunderstood people in the history of Nigeria. Those who had the opportunity to know him personally will tell you how extremely a good person he was. A man of honor, will be remembered as someone who sacrificed his life for this country. pic.twitter.com/eaOyJuo4RN
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 18, 2020
Feyi's story about meeting Abba Kyari is why I don't get close to serving politicians. I reject offers to meet them 'personally'.
If they can't bribe you into keeping quiet, they will cultivate a rapport with you that has the same effect: usually works on the smartest people.
— Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) April 18, 2020
Rest in Peace Mr Abba Kyari. Thank you for serving our country as Chief of Staff. May Allah forgive your sins⚰️🙏🏾🇳🇬
My condolences to @NGRPresident@MBuhari, @ProfOsinbajo
all the Service Chiefs and Nigerians.💚💚💚💔🇳🇬#covid19😷#IJCovid19#drkemiolunloyo #KemiOlunloyo https://t.co/OYBuLr4Eic pic.twitter.com/BSq1wnYQ8n— Journalist Kemi Olunloyo 🇳🇬 (@KemiOlunloyo) April 18, 2020
When my mum died earlier this year, the second person to come to the house same day to condole me (after @Olusegunverdict) was Mallam Abba Kyari. Deeply human. Deeply cerebral. Deeply loyal to his principal and his country, not the caricature widely sold. May God grant him rest. pic.twitter.com/k2xfAV1cE9
— Waziri Adio (@Waziriadio) April 18, 2020