THE Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev/Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, has consoled President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari as a result of complications from the Coronavirus pandemic expressing sadness over the ugly development.
In a letter of condolence dated April 21, 2020 to President Buhari, the revered world religious leader, emphasized that the position the deceased government official occupied till death was a sensitive office which can make or mar any government and particularly demands trust above other things, and therefore rare to find a trustworthy occupant to the office.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu who disclosed this on Friday stated that the eminent clergy expressed deep sympathy to President Buhari who he noted must have been devastated by the sudden death of someone he trusted without measure.
“The Chief of Staff is a role on which one depends more than almost any other. The occupant need to be trusted…and willing to have your interests most closely at heart.
“The fact that you entrusted Abba Kyari with your messages to me and to others demonstrates the faith you have in him. I am sure that his death is a significant blow to you personally, as well as to your government.
“This letter therefore brings my condolence at the loss of a man who struck me as remarkably intelligent and thoughtful…” he noted.
The Archbishop who is a personal friend of the President also extended his commiserations to Mallam Kyari’s family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace and the fortitude to Mr. President and all his mourners to bear the great loss.
Similarly, the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Chief (Amb) Albert Korubo Horsfall, also commiserated with President Buhari on the loss of his Chief of Staff.
The Oil and Gas Trainers’ Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) in a condolence letter signed by its President, Dr. Mayowa Afe to President Buhari, described Mallam Kyari as a trusted friend and a man of uncommon loyalty.
Dr. Afe acknowledged Mallam Abba Kyari’s contributions towards strengthening the economy including the Oil and Gas industry.