The Speaker of the House Of Representatives, Femi Gbajamiala, has expressed shock over the passing away of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari. Gbajamiala believed Kyari was a dedicated and selfless man who put Nigeria first while in service.
In a condolence letter by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Gbajamiala said Nigeria has lost an enigmatic persona in the mould of Kyari.
The statement reads: “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.
“I am particularly saddened and shocked at the demise of the Chief of Staff to the President. 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 Mallam 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.
The Speaker also advised Nigerians follow all the guidelines given by authorities so as to forestall the spread of the virus.
“Let’s all follow the guidelines set out by the authorities in preventing further spread of the virus. As leaders, we must also make conscious efforts at improving our healthcare system with a view to containing such pandemic.
“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.
