ICYMI: Buhari will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of our people – Abba Kyari
Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has become one of the high profile personalities in the world to die from COVID-19.
Kyari tested positive for the virus on March 24, 2020 following a trip to Germany to broker a deal. He died at the First Cardiology Consultants Hospital, Lagos on April 17 2020 aged 67.
At the time of his diagnosis, Kyari had expressed hope to get back on his feet as quickly as possible and continue in his role as the President’s right hand man.
The statement released at the time read:
“I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation.
“I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world.
“I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures. Like many others that will test also positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home.
“I hope to be back at my desk very soon. I have a team of young, professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication has been beyond the call of duty, who continue to work seven days a week, with no time of the day spared.
“We will continue to serve the President and people of Nigeria, as we have for the past five years.
“Listen to good advice from the proper authorities: pay no heed to quack cures or fake news from social media. President Buhari will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of our people and get the country back on its feet as soon as possible.
“Like the whole world, we are dealing with a new disease. Our experts are learning more all the time about coronavirus, what it does and how we can combat it. What we do know is that while some may become very sick, many others who contract the virus will not, and may have no symptoms at all.
“This is a precautionary measure. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.”
Unfortunately, the CoS died from complications from the virus. He was buried at the military cemetery in Abuja’s Gudu neighbourhood on Saturday, April 18 2020, according to Islamic rites.
