Ahaji Kyari Ibrahim, the First Class traditional ruler of Bama in Borno, on Saturday said his Emirate had lost an illustrious son in person of late Malam Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Late Kyari, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday, hailed from Bama.
Ibrahim told newsmen in Maiduguri on Saturday that the deceased was a principled person whose actions were often misunderstood.
“We grew up together with Abba, who is also from the royal family as his father was a District Head.
“Abba knows the value of leadership, and he grew up in the house of former governor of Northern Nigeria.
“He is a very straightforward person whose actions were often misunderstood.
“He is a reliable person and that was why President Buhari trusted him,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, who was on a three-day tour of border town of Gamboru-Ngala, had mobilized residents of the town and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps to offer special prayers for Kyari.
” We have lost one of our own, Alhaji Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President; it is a big loss to us.
“I was really shocked by the news of his demise; I last spoke with him exactly weeks ago and he was in good spirit.
“I share the grief of his immediate family, His Excellency, Mr President, the Presidency, as well as his larger family and the people of Borno state,” Zulum said.
Also speaking on Kyari, former governor of Borno, Sen. Kashim Shettima, said as a son of the state, late Kyari had shown very deep commitment to the stability and progress of the state.
“On many occasions, he facilitated and supported interventions for Borno, and did everything without taking credit or seeking political attention; he was more of a Borno man than a politician,” Shettima said.
Also reacting, another senator from Borno, Ali Ndume, commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Presidency and people of Borno over the death of Kyari.
Ndume said his wise counsel would be missed at such trying times.
