MURIC, APC, MSSN mourn Buhari’s late Chief of Staff

By Kemi Kasumu

*He was an administrative colossus – Group

“We foresee the likelihood of some elements in the society celebrating the death of this administrative colossus, particularly critics of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. To such people we say, “You are just displaying your ignorance,” MURIC said.

“Is Abba Kyari the only one in the corridors of power who have fallen to the deadly Corona virus? Are you unaware of tens of world celebrities who have become victims of the virus? Are you also immune to COVID-19?

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have mourned the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Also, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit, in its own reaction, described the death of the top presidential aide as lesson for Nigerian leaders.

Kyari’s death was announced last night in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media Publicly, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The asmathic and diabetic patient of long time died from complications from Coronavirus infection after battling with the disease for about one month.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the APC mourns the death of Mallam Abba Kyari, whom it described as one of the closest advisers to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“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 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,” the APC said.

In the meantime, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, the family of the former CoS, the deceased’s personal friends and the generality of Nigerians.

The group’s condolence message was contained in a press statement issued by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Saturday, 18th April, 2020.

MURIC said, “We commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari, the family of the former COS, the deceased’s personal friends and the generality of Nigerians. Abba Kyari will be remembered for his uncommon loyalty, his incomparable patriotism and his thoroughness.

“He was an administrative colossus, a political juggernaut and a spinner nulli secundus. Abba Kyari knew not only how to hit the iron when it is hot, but how to make the iron hot by heating it at the right time.

“MURIC is greatly saddened by the demise of Abba Kyari. We mourn a great son of the soil. A thick darkness has enveloped our great country, Nigeria. But even though our hearts are heavy with grief, we submit as believers to the decree of Almighty Allah in whose hands lies the decision to let live or to recall to mother earth.

“May Allah forgive him and repose his soul in Al-Jannat Al-Firdaus. May He also give President Muhammadu Buhari another COS of like character and quality. We also pray that Allah gives the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. In the same vein, we pray for the recuperation of all those who have been infected by the virus.

“We foresee the likelihood of some elements in the society celebrating the death of this administrative colossus, particularly critics of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. To such people we say, “You are just displaying your ignorance. Is Abba Kyari the only one in the corridors of power who have fallen to the deadly Corona virus? Are you unaware of tens of world celebrities who have become victims of the virus? Are you also immune to COVID-19?

“As we draw the curtain, we remind cynics and recalcitrant Nigerians that COVID-19 is real. A major lesson which we can draw from this unfortunate incident is that there is no more ambiguity about COVID-19. If indeed it can penetrate the seat of power, it means no one is immune from it.

“We therefore advise Nigerians to eschew stubbornness and cynicism. They should obey instructions given by health officials and the government. Avoid crowded places, maintain social distance, stay at home, wash your hands regularly with soap and avoid touching your face. Only living Nigerians can serve Nigeria,” MURIC said.

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in Lagos State commiserated with Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

The Amir of MSSNLagos, Dr. Saheed Ashafa, in a statement on Saturday, said the organisation received the news of Abba Kyari’s death “with great sorrow and deep regret”.

While commiserating with his family, the presidency and the entire nation, Ashafa prayed Allah to overlook Kyari’s shortcomings as human and grant him eternal bliss in paradise.

Ashafa also described the death of Abba Kyari as “a huge loss, but a reminder that every soul shall taste death when their stipulated time comes”.

He enjoined “Nigerian leaders and politicians to always remember that the present world is transient, which requires God’s consciousness and humane attitude towards all mortals”.

“This is a lesson to all leaders and every Nigerian that while we are alive, we should give all we can to aid development and support the cause of humanity. While on earth, Kyari gave his own best and we pray to Allah to forgive his shortcomings.

“We seize this medium to call on all well to do individuals to stretch hands of charity to the have-nots in this trying moment being experienced across the globe. With time, we shall come out victorious of the ravaging pandemic while exercising patience and perseverance,” he added.

Ashafa, however, urged Nigerians to abide by extant directives of government regarding the containment of the pandemic coronavirus while maintaining social distance among other precautions.