President Muhammad Buhari has lost no fewer than three close friends of him, AMILOADED reports.
Check below:
1. Abba Kyari:
The first to die is the chief of staff to the president of Nigeria, Abba Kyari. He died on 17 April 2020 at age sixty-seven.
Kyari, who is seen as Buhari’s gatekeeper and confidant, died after a month-long struggle with COVID-19.
He is believed to have contracted the disease during a trip to Germany.
The Bama-born Kyari died from complications caused by the Coronavirus in an Ikoyi, Lagos hospital.
President Buhari had written an emotional tribute about him.
“He 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”, Buhari concluded.
2. Ismaila Isa Funtua
Following the death of Abba Kyari, Ismaila Isa Funtua, was another close friend of the president. He died on Monday, July 20.
In fact, when there was an allegation that Buhari’s government was being controlled by a cabal, Funtua had declared that he was the cabal. He was a friend and ally.
Apart from being Buhari’s friend, he was also an in-law to the president.
While reacting to his death through his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement titled “President Buhari mourns friend, political associate, Isma’ila Isa Funtua”.
Shehu quoted the President as saying that Funtua’s death has created a huge gap because the deceased consistently stood by him in his political journey.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on passing of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
“The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as ‘greatly admired and respected.
“President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.
“The President prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.”
3. Nda-Isaiah
Another death that has rocked the president’s inner cycle in the year 2020 is that of Nda-Isaiah. He was the founder and chairman of the Leadership Newspaper.
He died at the age of 58 on Friday, December 11.
In a press statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari described the late publisher as “a friend and ally.”
“The President condoled the media fraternity, the Nda-Isaiah family, friends and associates of the deceased, saying “the country has lost a man of conviction, a resolute and dogged believer in a better Nigeria. He will be sorely missed. This is a massive fish gone out of the media ocean,” the statement reads
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