The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari on the death of the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, who passed on Friday.
Governor Fayemi who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also commiserated with the family of the late Chief of Staff as well as members of the President’s cabinet, describing Mallam Kyari’s death as saddening and devastating.
Fayemi in a condolence message in Ado- Ekiti on Saturday, described Kyari’s death as a great tragedy and a monumental loss to Nigeria at a very critical period.
The Governor said Kyari’s death should serve as a battle cry of unity for all Nigerians irrespective of their affiliations to join hands with the government to wage a total war against the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said Mallam Kyari will be sorely missed by the Presidency, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Federal Executive Council and other statutory bodies he served as member in his capacity as CoS to the President.
Dr Fayemi described Kyari as a reliable partner of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), which he chairs, on issues of development of the Nigerian federation.
He further described Kyari as a committed patriot and altruistic servant who dedicated his life to the service of his fatherland both in the private and public sectors.
According to him, the late Chief of Staff was a goal getter who delivered on any assignment committed to his hands because of his belief that service should always come first.
The Governor said Kyari played a part in the historic victory of the APC in the 2015 general election and the equally unforgettable re-election achieved by the party in the 2019 polls.
While noting that Kyari died while on active national service, Dr Fayemi said his sense of selflessness is worthy of emulation by all and sundry.
Fayemi said: “While the nation is mourning the death of Malam Abba Kyari, his death should unite all Nigerians irrespective of their leanings to join hands with the government to defeat COVID-19.
“COVID-19 is a common enemy that we must all defeat, Mallam Kyari’s death should further fire our collective resolve to fight the pandemic to a standstill.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased on this very huge loss. I also commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari on the loss of a dependable ally and a loyal aide. May the Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.
