I Will Not Be Available For Condolence Visits To Mourn Abba Kyari – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has come out to mourn the death of his late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

In a recent tribute to the deceased, Buhari urged the people mourning to continue observing social distancing during these troubling times.

According to Buhari, he would not be available for condolence visits for obvious reasons even if he recognizes the enormous sacrifices and contributions made by Kyari to the success of his politics and administration and to the overall development of Nigeria.

He added that instead of visits, prayers should be offered for the repose of soul of the departed Chief of Staff.

His statement read, “On the sad occasion of the demise of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff, the President has directed on three things.

” First, that this tribute be issued in recognition of the enormous sacrifices and contributions made by the deceased to the success of his politics and administration and to the overall development of the nation.

” Second, the President wishes to direct strict observance of the social distancing rules as prescribed by the National Center for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health; and other safe hygiene practices as advised by relevant local authorities.

” In this regard, the President will not be available for condolence visitors but urges, in place of that prayers be offered for the repose of soul of the departed Chief of Staff.

” Third, the President wishes to convey his deep appreciation to foreign leaders and all Nigerians, from whom a stream of messages have been reaching him over this irreparable loss. May Allah accept his soul.”

Abba Kyari OON (17 November 1938 – 17 April 2020) was a Nigerian politician who served as Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

A Kanuri from Borno, not much is known about his early life. In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Warwick, and also received a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Cambridge. In 1983, he was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.

Kyari was married to the sister-in-law of Ibrahim Tahir, and had four children.

On March 24, 2020, it was made public that Kyari tested positive for COVID-19 on March 23, following an official trip to Germany nine days before.