The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, has described the death of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, as a great loss to Nigeria.
Mr Kyari died on Friday from COVID-19 complications and was buried according to Islamic rites in Abuja.
In his condolence message on Sunday, the minister said it was gratifying that the chief of staff died while in active service to his fatherland.
Mr Aliyu said: “With the demise of Malam Abba Kyari, Nigeria has lost a great man. He was a technocrat par excellence, and a seasoned administrator who deployed his deep knowledge, competence and experience in serving his country.”
The minister condoled with President Buhari for losing a longtime, trusted ally and dedicated and obedient aide.
He also commiserated with the deceased immediate family; and the government and people of Borno State for losing an illustrious and industrious son.
He prayed to the Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“It’s indisputable that Malam Abba Kyari had deployed his intellect, tact and vast knowledge in serving Nigeria as President Buhari’s chief of staff.
“His finesse and strategic approach to every issue before him easily endeared him to whoever he interacted with. His contribution will surely be missed,” the minister said.
The minister added that Mr Kyari would be remembered as one of President Buhari’s dependable ally who had worked tirelessly to actualise the visions and aspirations of the president in rebuilding the country.
Mr Aliyu, therefore, urged Nigerians to heed to the precautionary measures issued by health authorities to curb the spread of the pandemic across the country.
According to him, with strict observance of physical and social distancing, the commitment of all relevant authorities, and fervent prayers, the country will overcome the pandemic.
