By Augustine Akhilomen

Condolence messages have started pouring in for President Muhammadu Buhari’s late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, who died as a result of complications from the deadly coronavirus.

The late chief of staff was said to have contracted the coronavirus on an official trip to Germany in March. He was confirmed with the virus on Mar. 23, though it was revealed on Mar. 30. At the time, he was said to be in high spirits and widely expected to recover. But there have now been reports Kyari had underlying conditions.

Kyari’s passing is a major blow to the Buhari presidency. It leaves a gaping hole in the administration as it juggles responding to a Coronavirus outbreak—which is likely to tip Nigeria’s economy into its worst recession in 30 years according to the IMF—and battling multiple insecurity challenges, including a devastating Boko Haram insurgency that has left the military stretched.

Kyari’s passing may also force president Buhari into a quick shake-up of his kitchen cabinet—a reality which flies in the face of the president’s preference for slow-paced decision making.

Following his demise Friday night, the presidency has commenced burial plans in earnest in line with Islamic provisions.

However, reacting on Twitter, Keyamo commiserated with Kyari’s family and Nigeria.

He said the deceased had on Tuesday assured him he was getting better.

“When I chatted with him exactly on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, he assured me his health was fine and that he would faithfully take the treatments. But God always knows best.

“Sincere condolences to the Kyari family and the Government of Nigeria. Adieu Mallam Abba Kyari,” he wrote on Twitter.

Former Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the death of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a  tweet via his verified Twitter page on Saturday morning, the former Vice President commiserated with the Kyari family and asked God to grant him eternal rest.

He wrote: “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.”

Also reacting to his death, Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki also expressed sadness at the death.

“I received the news of the death of Mallam Abba Kyari with a heavy heart. We have indeed lost a rare gem.

“As Chief of Staff to President @MBuhari , Mallam Abba Kyari commanded great influence that made him a rallying point for key policy decisions. He would be missed greatly.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has mourned the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, “Chief of Staff and one of the closest advisers to President Muhammadu Buhari”, lamenting that the president has lost his strong right-hand man.

“President Buhari has indeed lost a competent, trusted, loyal, strong right-hand man and longtime adviser who promoted, protected and defended his interest in good times and adversity.

“The Party condoles with Mallam Abba Kyari’s immediate family, Buhari, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the people and government of Borno state over the painful loss. As Mallam Abba Kyari is buried according to Islamic rites, may Almighty Allah be merciful and grant him Aljanat Firdaus”, the party prayed.

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, commiserated with the family of late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari over his death.

“I commiserate with @Mbuhari over the demise of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari. May Allah forgive Kyari’s shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaus. I pray Allah also grant Mr President and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Also reacting to the news, NNPC boss, Mele Kyari prayed for God to forgive Kyari’s sins, describing him as a ‘truly good’ man.

“May Allah forgive Mallam Abba Kyari and have mercy upon him. Was a truly good man, profoundly faithful and loyal to our country.

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, (PDP Enugu-West) has described the death of Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari, as a heavy loss to the Presidency and the nation.

Ekweremadu, on his Twitter handle, @iamekweremadu, expressed deep sadness and condolences to Kyari’s immediate family, President Buhari and the entire Presidency.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari.

“It is a heavy loss to The Presidency and the nation, which he gave his all.

“My heartfelt condolences go to his family, the Presidency and the entire nation.

“May his soul rest in peace. Amen,’’ Ekweremadu prayed.

In addition, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode in his official twitter handle expressed sadness over the death of Abba Kyari.

“I have lost a friend of 40 years. We were at Cambridge together. We worked in my fathers law firm together. We remained close throughout right up until the end even though we disagreed politically. Abba was a good man: a man of honor & a loyal friend. May his soul rest in peace.

For Deji Adeyanju, Convener of Concerned Nigerian, he believes that the news of Kyari’s death should be a note of warning to those looting the nation’s treasury dry instead of fixing the medical and other infrastructures.

He noted that a time came when Kyari could no longer travel abroad for medical treatment.

“I hope those already stealing Coronavirus money will stop and begin to do the right thing. Abba Kyari died here in Nigeria, unable to travel for medical tourism. FIX OUR HEALTH SECTOR and the country now,” he tweeted, adding, “Stop looting Nigeria dry.

Also former lawmaker, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce extended his condolence message to the family of late Abba Kyari.

“I am saddened by the news of the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari. My sincere condolences to the family and loved ones, and also President @MBuhari. . May his soul rest in peace.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, expressed his condolence over the death of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari, whose death was announced on Saturday morning.

“Abba Kyari;The President has lost a trusted and loyal friend. A man who took the bullets of his master with smiles,calmness and silence. We knew his cap and his colours but never his mind or his own side of his story. He will be missed as a Punchman. RIP AK.”

In the same vein, former Kogi State lawmaker, Dino Melaye admonished Nigerians to always prepare for death after the demise of Abba Kyari.

“May the soul of Abba Kyari the chief of staff to Mr. President rest in peace. May God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss. Everyone must complete this circle someday. Be prepared.

Minister for Aviation, Hidi Sirika regretted the death of Abba Kyari as he reacted via his official twitter handle.

“Inna Lillahi wa Inna ilaihi Raji’un! Everyone has his time. We are all waiting for our time. May Allah forgive your sins, grant you Firdaws. Allah ya kyauta bayan shi. Allah accept our souls when you are most pleased with us🤲🏽.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, has expressed sadness over the death of Abba Kyari.

“My condolences @MBuhari. May Allah forgive the shortcomings of Mallam Abba Kyari, grant him Aljanat Firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear the pains of this loss.