Abba Kyari is most influential African who has died yet of COVID-19

Late Abba Kyari having a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari

Abba Kyari is most influential African who has died yet of COVID-19

On Friday, April 17th, 2020, one of the most prominent Nigerian and now former Chief of State to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, died in a private hospital in Lagos, South-West region of the West African country following complications from coronavirus infection.

Currently, there have been about 1,000 deaths and almost 19,000 infections across Africa, with Algeria having the highest number of deaths of about 364 so far. Among all victims so far in Africa, Kyari is the most influential victim of the virus so far.

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Mallam Abba, as he was fondly called by his associates was so influential in the government of Buhari that he was referred to as the de facto President. At a point, President’s wife, Aisha made remarks, complaining that some very powerful people had hijacked power from her husband. She was referring to Abba Kyari. But Buhari never listened to his wife because he had a very interesting relationship with Kyari.

At the on-set of his second term in office last year, Buhari made it clear that no minister should have access to President Buhari without going through Kayri.

Sources at the corridor of power confirmed that Buhari did only those things that Mallam Abba wanted him to do.

“Buhari depended so much on Kyari. And he trusted him. Mallam Abba reviewed all memos that went to Buhari and, summarises it in few lines and made recommendations to Buhari. The President never veered of from the recommendations of Mallam Abba”, the source said.

Nigerians knew that Mallam Abba was such powerful and they respected him to that extent.

Buhari confirmed this position in his tribute to Mallam Abba on Thursday. Buhari noted that Kyari was a loyal friend for 42 years. The following is Buhari’s tribute:

TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI

Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the Coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friend and compatriot for the last 42 years – and latterly my Chief-of-Staff – he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.

He was only in his twenties when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad – first at Warwick and then law at the University of Cambridge. But there was never any question Abba would bring his first-rate skills and newly acquired world-class knowledge back to Nigeria – which he did – immediately upon graduation.

Whilst possessing the sharpest legal and organisational mind, Abba’s true focus was always the development of infrastructure and the assurance of security for the people of this nation he served so faithfully. For he knew that without both in tandem there can never be the development of the respectful society and vibrant economy that all Nigerian citizens deserve.

In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria’s political establishment – who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a byproduct of possessing political office.

Becoming my Chief of Staff in 2015, he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement my agenda.

There are those who said of him that he must be secretive – because he did not have a high public profile. But Abba was the opposite: he simply had no need, nor did he seek, the cheap gratification of the crowd; for him, there was nothing to be found in popular adulation. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.

Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one – whether minister or governor had access beyond another – and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally.

He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian – regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty – was heard and treated respectfully and the same.

Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great. Rest In Peace, my dearest friend.

To his loving wife and doting family who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.

Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
April 18, 2020

The UN Economic Commission for Africa  has warned 300,000 could die of COVID-19 in Africa. The agency called for a $100bn (£80bn) safety net for the continent, including halting external debt payments.

The WHO says the virus appears to be spreading away from African capitals.

It has also highlighted that the continent lacks ventilators to deal with a pandemic.

More than a third of Africa’s population lacks access to adequate water supplies and nearly 60% of urban dwellers live in overcrowded slums – conditions where the virus could thrive.