By TOM CHIAHEMEN, Abuja –
Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (fondly called ‘IBB’), has extolled the virtues of the late Abba Kyari, describing him as a very dedicated, conscientious, forthright, roundly qualified, astute and patriotic servant of Nigeria.
Kyari, who was Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, died at a Lagos hospital on Friday as a result of complications from COVID-19, which infected him last month.
In a condolence letter he sent to President Buhari on Sunday, General Babangida said he received with heavy heart the news of the passing of Kyari, who was buried yesterday morning at the Gudu Cemetery in the nation’s capital, Abuja according to Islamic rites.
“As Chief of Staff he preoccupied himself to always stand by you as a loyal Staff, a friend and an Adviser who always answered the call to duty. He was ready to always render you necessary support in line with the policy principles and objectives of your administration,” he recalled.
In August 1985, Babangida staged a bloodless coup that sacked Buhari from office as Head of State. This was barely two years after Buhari himself (then a Major- General in the Nigerian Army), led a group of senior army officers who overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari in a coup coup on December 31, 1983.
A copy of General Babangida’s condolence letter, which was obtained by NATIONAL ACCORD, is reproduced below:
“19 April 2020
HE Muhammadu Buhari GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Presidency
State House
Aso Rock Villa
Abuja
Your Excellency,
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. I have received with heavy heart the news of the passing of your Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari as a result of complications of COVID-!9.
Abba was a very dedicated, conscientious, forthright, roundly qualified, astute and patriotic servant of Nigeria. As Chief of Staff he preoccupied himself to always stand by you as a loyal Staff, a friend and an Adviser who always answered the call to duty. He was ready to always render you necessary support in line with the policy principles and objectives of your administration.
I have no iota of doubt that Abba had performed all his tasks creditably to your absolute satisfaction believing in his capacity and competency. He was honest, simple, humble and transparent. Always putting the people, the nation and your good self in all his actions and duties. Undoubtedly you and his family will miss Abba the most. As Muslims we believe and accept that we shall all return to Allah, the Supreme Giver of Life. It is the wish of the Almighty that Abba had completed his life here on earth. It is stated in the Traditions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, that whosoever dies as a result of an epidemic affliction is a martyr and I fervently pray so it shall be for Abba. I pray that Allah will accord him the reward and honour as a martyr. Additionally, Abba also passed on one of the most auspicious days for Muslims, namely Friday. You have lost a great ally, friend, admirer, and compatriot who served you and the nation with extreme loyalty and patience.
Mr President, I urge you, as a committed Muslim with depth of faith and as a gallant military officer who fought to unite this country, to please remain steadfast in the challenging tasks heaved upon you, our country and people by the COVID-19 epidemic and its effects on our nation and people. I pray for the quick end of this deadly scourge.
I also pray Allah to shower His Mercy and Forgiveness on Abba by placing him among the dwellers of the highest Paradise. Amin Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyum. And to you and his immediate Family I pray Allah to grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss of a descent man with equanimity. Please accept my heartfelt condolences as I grieve with you the passing of Mallam Abba Kyari.
Yours truly
General IB Babangida, GCFR”
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