Tributes have continued pour in for the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari.
Recall that Kyari died in a private hospital in Lagos on Friday of complications from Coronavirus.
Sen. Magnus Abe, told NAN in Port Harcourt on Sunday that Kyari’s death was a big loss to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.
Abe, a former Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, described Kyari as an outstanding public servant who was committed to the common good of the country.
“Kyari was a man who had a very long history of service to the country, contributing so much in many different ways and capacities.
“It’s unfortunate that he lost his life at the height of service to the nation. Nigerians should draw strength from his passing on and work together to defeat COVID -19,” he said.
Abe said the tragic passing of Kyari should serve as a notice to Nigerians to protect the most vulnerable people in the country.
“It’s unfortunate that some Nigerians chose to speculate about his life and death. We should rather focus our minds on how we can come together to defeat this virus.
“This is the much we owe, to honour his memory just as his demise is a great loss to this nation,” he added.
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Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a former Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said in a statement that Kyari’s death came at a time the nation needed every resource to tackle the pandemic.
According to him, the elder statesman was a calm person and gentleman, who acted as a father to many Nigerians.
“Kyari had a calm mien from long years of being in public and private sector. Everybody loved him as he carried on with the function of his office with simplicity and humility.
“He was a pillar behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, and always did his best for the progress of the country,” he said.
Mr. Ledum Mitee, a social activist, condoled with Buhari and the people of Bornu state over the loss of their illustrious son.
Mitee, a former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), said that Kyari’s death was saddening and brought to reality, the seriousness of the threat of COVID-19.
“Government at all levels, private sector and indeed every Nigerian should see this as a wakeup call and come together to kick Coronovirus out from the country,” he appealed.
On his part, the Convener of South-South Elders Forum (SEEF), Anabs Sara-Igbe, said that Kyari died at a time the country needed him most.
He said the elder statesman’s passing, showed the vanity of life, urging Nigerians to have deep reflection on their lives.
NAN