By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday mourned the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff and one of the closest advisers to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The news of Kyari’s death was broken in the early hours of Saturday by presidential media advisers, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, who tweeted it on their respective Twitter handles.
The messages were however silent on when and where Kyari actually died.
The late chief of staff contracted the Coronavirus and was isolated in Abuja before he announced penultimate week that he was coming to Lagos to seek further treatment on the advice of his doctors.
But nobody actually saw him in Lagos until he died fuelling speculation that he may have been secretly flown outside the country.
But the APC statement signed by its national publicity secretary Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said, “Even in death, the fond memories and indelible strides Mallam Abba Kyari left on earth will be celebrated for a long time. We remember a cerebral Nigerian who excelled in his private dealings, professional endevours and public service.”
The ruling party further said that, “The president 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, the President, 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.”