By Alex Emeka Duru, Editor
The news that President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babagana Kingibe, as Chief of Staff to replace Abba Kyari, is not factual, TheNiche authoritatively reports.
The former Chief of Staff, Kyari, who died from complications from the Coronavirus disease in a private hospital in Lagos on Friday was buried on Saturday in Abuja.
But hardly had the body of the 67-year-old lawyer, businessman and politician who served President Buhari from 2015 till his death been lowered into the grave that speculations mounted on possible successor.
On Sunday, some news outlets ( excluding TheNiche) claimed that Kingibe, who has served the nation in different capacities as a diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1995, Minister of Internal Affairs from 1995 to 1997, Minister of Power and Steel from 1997 to 1998; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2007 to 2008, has been appointed to fill the vacant position.
But sources told TheNiche on Sunday that no such decision has been taken.
They insist that President Buhari is still in deep mourning to think of who will replace Kyari, his most loyal and trusted aide.
“It will not be an easy decision for the president,” a source in the presidency who pleaded anonymity told TheNiche on Sunday.
When contacted on Sunday, the senior media adviser to the president, Femi Adesina, neither denied nor confirmed the story but implied in his response that it remains mere speculation since no such announcement has been made by the government
TheNiche asked him: “We seek to confirm the news making the round that the President has appointment Babagana Kingibe as replacement to Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff.”
Mr. Adesina responded: “We have a standard way of making announcements. Thanks.”
A former governor who spoke to TheNiche last night said he will be surprised if the President replaces Abba Kyari so quickly.
“Well, I doubt if PMB (President Muhammadu Buhari) will be quick to appoint a new CoS,” the influential politician who paid a glowing tribute to Kyari on Saturday told TheNiche.
