PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and some leading traditional rulers on the demise of their illustrious son and his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari who was laid to rest on Saturday at Gudu Cemetery in the Federal Capital Territory.
This was contained in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) on Tuesday in Abuja in which President Buhari poured encomiums to his late Chief of Staff who he described as a faithful friend of over four decades.
In a letter of condolence to Governor Zulum, President Buhari stated that the state has lost a rare gem, exceptional public servant and a patriot who was evidently committed to the goals of the government.
”With his death, the people of Borno and Bama Emirates have lost an outstanding personality. Malam Abba Kyari was an exceptional public servant, a patriot, a true son of Borno and Nigeria.
“My association with Malam Abba extends to over 40 years and during the last five years he served as my Chief of Staff. He was diligent, committed and utterly loyal to the goals we have set ourselves.
”As we all mourn the death of this patriotic and hardworking son of Bama, I pray Almighty Allah to accept his Ibaadat, forgive him and admit him to Aljannah Firdaus, Amin”, the Presidnt stated.
In similar vein, President condoled with Alhaji Baba Shehu Zannah Arjinoma, the District Head of Banki, Bama Local Government Area, Borno State describing Kyari’s death as an unexpected incident which gave a deep shock to his family, friends and all those that worked with him.
The President also sent profound condolences to His Highness, Shehu Kyari Ibn Umar Ibrahim Ibn El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Bama Local Government Area as well as the Highness and the people of Bama Emirate.
Also commiserated with includes His Highness, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Shehu of Borno, praying for Allah to forgive the sins of the deceased and admit him to Aljannah Firdaus.
”I am writing personally and on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria to send my condolence to you, the wider family of Mallam Abba Kyari on his death last Friday. His death came as a profound shock not only to his family and friends but to all who knew or worked with him.
”Mallam Abba Kyari was more than my Chief of Staff. He was a friend of more than 40 years standing and it was a pleasure working with him in government in the last 5 years. He put in his best and he proved a worthy son of Borno and Nigeria. May Allah accept his Ibadaat, forgive his sins and admit him to Aljannah Firdaus, amin”, Buhari stated.
On stewardship, President Buhari stated that the late Chief of Staff dedicatedly gave him, his government and the public the best of his ability, attesting that Kyari served with dedication, patriotism and proved a worthy son of Bama.