APC, PDP, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Atiku, Ekweremadu, Mourn Abba Kyari

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Messages of condolences keep pouring in from political parties, top public officers, former vice President Atiku Abubakar among other notable Nigerians on the demise of the Late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

One of the early messages came from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which noted that the Late Chief of Staff was one of the closest advisers to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The APC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said that even in death, the fond memories and indelible strides Kyari left on earth will be celebrated for a long time.

The APC said; “We remember a cerebral Nigerian who excelled in his private dealings, professional endevours and public service. 

“The president has indeed lost a competent, trusted, loyal, strong right hand man and longtime adviser who promoted, protected and defended his interest in good times and adversity.”

The Party condoled with Late Kyari’s immediate family, the President, leaders and members of the APC, and the people and government of Borno state over the painful loss.

In its own message, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the death of Kyari as depressing and saddening.

The PDP comforts President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kyari family, the government and people of Borno state and the nation at large for this painful loss and prays that the Almighty Allah grants Mallam Abba Kyari eternal rest.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan also commiserated with families of all the victims of COVID-19 pandemic and prayed for the speedy recovery of the sick who are receiving treatment in various isolation centers.

For the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, it was a shocking and sadness, the news of the passing on of Kyari.

Lawan while expressing his heartfelt condolence to Kyari’s family over the great loss, also condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senate President described the Late Kyari as a very competent, dedicated and loyal aide, who was a pillar in the administration of President Buhari, adding that the Late Chief of Staff was very deep, firm, focused and unassuming in his national assignment until his death.

Lawan extended his heartfelt sympathy to the Government and people of Borno State over the passage of a great son of the state.

Lawan further said; “He was a man of deep convictions and courage who understood his role and performed it with uncommon dedication and effectiveness.  

“He shared the values of President Buhari and his passion for the emancipation of the poor in Nigeria and the all-round development of the country for the benefit of all its people.”

In his own message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila described as shocking and sad the passing away of the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari.

Gbajabiamila said it was unfortunate that Abba Kyari died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is now ravaging countries all over the world.

He said Kyari would be remembered for his selfless and dedicated service to Nigeria right from his days as a private citizen through the time he served as the Chief of Staff to the President.

The Speaker said that with Kyari’s and other Nigerians’ death as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the country needs to do everything possible to avoid further spread of the disease, while taking care of those that tested positive so far.

He said; “Here was a person who was highly patriotic and who showed the highest level of commitment and dedication to duty. Malam Abba Kyari would be remembered for his contributions to the development of the country at various stages of his life, including the last few years that he had served as the Chief of Staff to the President.

“I believe Kyari died while serving the country as he contracted the disease during his trip to Germany in March on a national assignment as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the intractable electricity problem in the country.

“This is indeed a great loss to Nigeria. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this trying time. I also want to extend my condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari for this loss.

“Death is inevitable for every human. The deaths of Malam Abba Kyari and other Nigerians at this time call for us all to rise as a nation and fight the COVID-19 pandemic in every possible way we can.

“While we all grieve, let’s pray that the Almighty God will grant the Chief of Staff and other Nigerians that died as a result of this pandemic a good resting place,” the Speaker said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while condoling President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, described the deceased as a loyal aide, saying that he received the death of the Late Chief of Staff with profound grief and sorrow.

While conveying his deepest and heartfelt sympathies to President Buhari at this sombre moment, Atiku said; “death is inevitable and every living being will ultimately experience this terminal stage of life.
He reminded Nigerians that the coronavirus pandemic is a reality and it respects no political and social boundaries.
Atiku said that the death of the Chief of Staff should galvanize Nigerians to support the efforts to contain the deadly virus.
He said; “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.”

Similarly, former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who took to his Twitter handle, @iamekweremadu, expressed deep sadness and heartfelt condolences to Kyari’’s immediate family, President Mohamadu Buhari, and the entire Presidency and also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose.

Ekweremadu said; “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari.

 “It is a heavy loss to The Presidency and the nation, which he gave his all. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, the Presidency, and the entire nation. May his soul rest in peace. Amen”.