Remains of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Malam Abba Kyari, were on Saturday buried at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja.
The body was transported to the Muslim section of the cemetery by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) about 10.45 a.m., where it was committed to mother earth.
The SSA to the president, Garba Shehu, who was at the cemetery, said “Kyari’s death is devastating.”
Describing Kyari as a loyal staff, Shehu said “the funeral and burial are strictly private.”
He commended the NCDC and the Federal Ministry of Health for making every arrangement for the burial.
The Presidency advised those wishing to pay condolence visits over the death to remain at home and pray for the soul of the deceased.
Shehu made this known to newsmen shortly before the burial.
He said: ”We just received the body of Abba Kyari, the deceased Chief of Staff to the President, in Abuja.
“In strict observation of the protocol put in place for the burial of Coronavirus victims by the @NCDCgov and the Federal Ministry of Health, the funeral prayer and burial will be private.
”Thereafter, there will be no such ceremonies as condolence visits. Well meaning friends, family members and the general public are encouraged to pray for the repose of Abba Kyari’s soul.
”May Allah grant the family and nation the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The funeral prayer for the Chief of Staff was performed at the Defence House, Abuja, in line with the Federal Ministry of Health’s guidelines regarding victims of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Presidency had in the early morning of April 18, announced the death of Abba Kyari who had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19.
The announcement, which was conveyed in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, indicated that Kyari died on Friday.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had disclosed that as at 11 p.m on April 17, there were 493 confirmed cases of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, while 157 patients had recovered, with 17 deaths recorded.
Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sent a condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari
“I received the news of the demise of Alhaji Abba Kyari, your Chief of Staff, over Friday night, with great sadness, as he lost the battle against the dreadful killer disease, COVID-19.
Abba Kyari’s death must be painful to you and to his family and friends, but you can all take solace in the fact that he died in the service of his country.
His death must be a solemn reminder to all of us that COVID-19 requires all hands on deck soberly, cooperatively, humanly, humanely, justly, equitably, fairly, consolidatedly and comprehensively to be able to fight it successfully and to get all Nigerians back to good health and healthy economy.
God will give you and Abba Kyari’s family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condoled President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of Kyari, describing the deceased as a loyal aide.
Reacting to the death in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the former Vice President said: “I have received the death of your Chief of Staff with profound grief and sorrow, and I convey to you my deepest and heartfelt sympathies at this sombre moment.”
According to Atiku, death is inevitable and every living being will ultimately experience this terminal stage of life.
The Wazirin Adamawa reminded Nigerians that the coronavirus pandemic is a reality and it respects no political and social boundaries.
He explained that the death of the Chief of Staff should galvanize Nigerians to support the efforts to contain this deadly virus.
“Mr. President, my heart and prayers are with you at this emotionally challenging moment as you come to terms with the death of your dedicated Chief of Staff. We are bound by common humanity and I therefore feel and share your grief at this moment. May Allah forgive the deceased and grant him eternal bliss in paradise”, Atiku added.
All Progressives Congress APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Kyari as a man of accomplishment whose death due to the raging coronavirus pandemic should not be in vain.
He said although the nation is made sad and mourning, we must also use his demise and those of others fallen by the virus to strengthen our resolve in fighting the pandemic.
His condolence message is contained in a statement signed by him and released by his Media Office on Saturday in Lagos.
Tinubu said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Malam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President. He was an extremely able, loyal and talented man who dedicated his considerable skills to the success of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Whatever someone will try to say about Mallam Kyari, the words will prove insufficient. His influence in government and throughout the land was substantial and profound. He will surely be missed. My deepest condolences go to President Buhari, the people of NIgeria and especially the family of Mallam kyari over this tragic loss. May Almighty Allah comfort the president and the Kyari family at this difficult moment.
“This death came at a time the government is working assiduously to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. We must not allow the passing away of Mallam Kyari and the other Nigerians who have lost their lives to this terrible disease to be in vain. Although we are today made sad, we must also use this moment to strengthen our resolve in fighting the pandemic.
“Let us rededicate ourselves to obeying the public health measures such as physical distancing so that we may defeat the contagion and not fall to it. While we must maintain spatial distance from one another we must yet come closer in the spirit of brotherly compassion and national purpose in order to defeat the threat we now face.
“Mallam Kyari was a man of accomplishment. We know not why Almighty Allah has taken him at this time. Allah’s will is supreme and there is no questioning it. Yet we must learn from Mallam Kyari’s passing. We must honor the departed by doing all we can to defeat the virus so that we safeguard the health of the nation that Mallam Kyari loved so deeply. .
“To the family of Mallam Kyari, may Almighty Allah support and comfort them during this painful moment. My condolences are also with Governor Babagana Zulum, the government and people of Borno State over the loss of their extraordinary son.
“I pray that Allah Subuhana Watahalah grant the soul of our beloved Mallam Kyari eternal rest and admit him to Aljana Firdaus.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the death as depressing and saddening.
The party condolence message was issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Saturday in Abuja.
“The PDP comforts President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kyari family, the government and people of Borno and the nation at large for the painful loss and prayed that the Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest.
“Similarly, the PDP commiserates with families of all the victims of COVID-19 pandemic and pray for the speedy recovery of the sick who are receiving treatment in various isolation centres,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has condoled with Buhari on the death.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death of Kyari as shocking, painful and a monumental loss to the nation, the people and government of Maiduguri and the Kyari family.
Sanwo-Olu said: ‘‘I received the sad news of the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, an astute public servant with a heavy heart. Mallam Kyari was a dedicated Nigerian, a deeply committed and patriotic citizen, who contributed remarkably to the smooth and successful running of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.’’
The Governor added that Kyari was a ‘‘conscientious, competent, cerebral and outstanding administrator whose life traversed the fields of law, journalism, banking and politics.’’
Sanwo-Olu described the death of Kyari as a great loss to Nigeria, happening at a time the country is desirous of more deeply patriotic individuals to contribute selflessly towards the development of the country.
The Governor urged Buhari to take solace in the quality of life lived by Mallam Kyari and his exemplary contribution to the current administration.
He said: “As human beings, the death of a close ally will be painful and devastating, but we must always look back at the beautiful moments one shared with the deceased as well as the legacies left behind by such individual. Therefore, Mr. President should find comfort in the good works done by the late Kyari”
Sanwo-Olu said the country and the immediate community of the deceased would remember him for many years to come.
Sanwo-Olu prayed to Almighty God to grant the soul of late Abba Kyari eternal rest and comfort the families he left behind the fortitude. “Surely, the Almighty will be with them and grant them the grace to bear the irreplaceable loss”, he concluded.
The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) expressed sadness over the death.
The Chairman of the Forum and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, in a condolence message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, said the death was a monumental loss to the nation.
He sympathised with his immediate family, Buhari and the entire nation, urging Nigerians to take solace in his service to humanity.
“Malam Abba Kyari was a deeply resourceful person who provided tremendous support to President Buhari and his Administration, and served Nigeria with patriotism, dignity, honesty and passion,” he said.
Lalong recalled the friendship and support Kyari extended to members of the forum and Plateau, describing him as a man who had zeal for peace and progress of Nigeria.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State also commiserated with Buhari over the death.
Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Saturday in Osogbo, described Kyari’s death as a great loss to the President, his family and the entire nation.
“The late Malam Abba Kyari was a loyal and dedicated Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and served the nation diligently in that capacity.
“His death is a great loss to the President, his family and the entire nation.
“May Allah have mercy on the soul of the deceased, forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaus.
“I pray Allah to also grant President Buhari and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” Oyetola said.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State said Kyari was a quintessential public servant, who would be missed by many.
Akeredolu, in a statement he signed in Akure on Saturday, expressed shock over Kyari’s death and prayed to God for the repose of the soul of the departed public servant.
According to him, Kyari was a quintessential public servant whose trajectory of life molded him for inexorable service to his fatherland, and his choice of life was that of a pool of un-hyped potential.
“For him, he had played his own part of the endless life orchestra; he has departed, in fulfilment of mankind’s inescapable debt, like other mortals.
“Truly, Abba Kyari’s urbane character may not have been seen by all; but to those who had reasons to know and work closely with him, he represented dynamism, strong character and compassion.
“He was a dependable and dispassionate liaison, full of life with an energetic work engine that never stopped pulsating. Kyari died working for Nigeria, no doubt. He will be sorely missed by many.
“I commiserate with the nation, our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate family as well as friends and associates of the departed compatriot over this shocking development.
“May God grant us all the strength to bear this loss,” he said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State described the death as a huge loss to the country.
The governor said this in Ilorin in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“The death of the Chief of Staff is a huge loss. We mourn Mallam Abba Kyari. He will be sorely missed.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, we commiserate with Mr President, the Federal Executive Council, and the immediate and extended family of Mallam Abba.
“We pray Almighty Allah to grant him Al-jannah firdaus,” AbdulRazaq said in the statement.
AbdulRazaq saluted the deceased’s contributions to the development of the country and his avowed loyalty to the nation and the President.
“I commend his commitment to duty as a prominent member of Mr President’s administration.
“This development reminds us once again to unite at this trying time to collectively work towards containing the rampaging threat to all of humanity by adhering to all safety measures,” the governor added.
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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the passing of Kyari as a big loss for the Buhari administration, in particular, and the nation in general.
The ADC said this great loss called for deep reflection on the part Nigeria’s leaders, adding that “it is a wake up call for leaders to understand that they must make the best of the time in their hands to write their names in gold.”
In a condolence message, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Yemi Kolapo, ADC said Kyari was indeed the strong man of the current administration, adding that, though his style might not have resonated well with many, he definitely excelled in all his assignments, including the last one, as the President’s Chief of Staff.
ADC said, “He demonstrated a good grasp of political chess and served his boss with commendable loyalty. He will be remembered as one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians.
“He will be sincerely missed in Nigeria’s polity, especially as this painful exit makes history as one of the very few high profile deaths from the unfortunate Covid-19 pandemic currently giving governments sleepless nights all over the world.
“ADC condoles with the President, the All Progressives Congress, the late Chief of Staff’s immediate and extended families, the people of Borno State, and indeed all Nigerians, over this painful loss, and prays that Allah forgives him his shortcomings and grants him Aljanah Firdaus as he is laid to rest today.”
Alhaji Danjuma Gambo, Leader, Hausa Community in Ebonyi State, described the demise as a `huge loss’.
He called on citizens to strengthen measures over Covid-19 pandemic.
Gambo made the call on Saturday in Abakaliki, while reacting to the death of Kyari.
According to him, this is the time Nigerians must take the safety measures against the Coronavirus seriously, to control the spread as the epidemic is no respecter of persons.
He described Kyari as highly supportive and played a great role in the Buhari’s administration.
“This is a sad news. Nigerians must understand that this virus is real and anyone could get infected if social distancing, wearing of face masks, continuous handwashing, use of hand sanitizers are not adhered to.
“We must be ready to adhere to the various safety measures every moment,” Gambo said.
He commended Governor David Umahi for his proactive efforts in providing measures to combat the deadly virus.
“The Governor is up and doing, with measures on ground in the state, which have been helpful,” Gambo said.
Mr Ikechukwu Ogbonna, a Civil Servant and a resident of Abakaliki, who was also saddened over the demise of the COS following the epidemic, called on citizens to comply to the application of the guidelines.
He urged governments to equally intervene more on the Covid-19 palliative.
Alhaji Sirina Adamu, a Currency Exchange dealer at Bureau-De-Change Abakaliki, expressed worry that such high ranking official was lost to the pandemic.
Adamu also expressed concern that most residents were making fun and ridicule with the development, instead of taking steps to avoid the spread.
He called on residents to abide by the governments rules and guidelines to stay safe.
“Allah has taken. We all have our different ways to die,” Adamu said.
Mr Musa Yusuf and Hajiya Maimuna Umar, in their separate interviews, urged citizens to apply the COVID-19 guidelines policy to prevent the spread.
They noted that the guidelines and precautionary measures might seem difficult to adhere to, but was a sacrifices expected to be made by all, until the fight was over.
Meanwhile, residents of Maiduguri in Borno State, have expressed shock over the death.
The residents were seen in groups discussing the death of Kyari, an illustrious son of the state.
“It was at the early morning prayer in the Mosque that someone informed us of his death.
“We prayed for the repose of his soul. He was one of the illustrious sons of Borno,” Malam Mustafa Musa, a resident of Gwange said.
Goni Dauda Ibrahim of Mafoni corroborated the claim, saying that the death of Kyari was not only shocking but a proof that COVID-19 was real and dangerous.
“I was shocked and for the first time realised how serious and deadly COVID-19 is to have taken such a highly placed personality in Nigeria.
“Other countries had also experienced such loss of prominent personalities.
“May his soul rest in peace and may Nigerians further understand the danger of this virus and be more serious in joining hands with the government to contain the pandemic,” Ibrahim said.
Mr Iliyasu Joseph, a resident of Pompomari said the state in particular and Nigeria in general would miss a big and influential man and needed to be sober.
“We should pray for the repose of his soul and others claimed by the pandemic.
“We must not relent and see this as a wake-up call to take and work with precautionary measures listed by government and other partners fighting to contain the spread of Convid-19 pandemic,” Joseph said.
