The chief of staff of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has died after contracting the deadly coronavirus.
The death of Mallam Abba Kyari was announced by the government on Friday evening.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu said “The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020”
When the 81-year old got infected he brought the disease into the immediate circle of President Buhari who is 77-years-old.
Kyari has a history of medical complications, including diabetes, and coordinated those who wished to see the president.
The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) April 17, 2020
Kyari has came into contact with several Nigerian top politicians and businessmen.
He had traveled to Germany early in March with a delegation of other Nigerian officials for meetings with Siemens AG.
Shehu said on Saturday that “In strict observation of the protocol put in place for the burial of Coronavirus victims by the government and the Federal Ministry of Health, the funeral prayer and burial will be private.”
— NTA News (@NTANewsNow) April 18, 2020
Many Nigerians have been paying their tribute to Abba Kyari.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am saddened by the death of Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari. May Allah SWT comfort his family, forgive his sins and grant him AlJannah Firdaus. Ameen.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) April 18, 2020
My sincere and heartfelt condolence go to the family of Mallam Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to General @MBuhari, who has died at 81 from #CoronaVirus. He was one of the more effective and loyal members of Buhari’s kitchen cabinet. Whatever our differences, he loved Nigeria
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 18, 2020
I am saddened by the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President @MBuhari. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. I commiserate with President Buhari. May God comfort you and the entire Government. May his soul rest in peace. @FemAdesina @NGRPresident @GarShehu
— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) April 18, 2020
Source: Africafeeds.com