Sympathizers Surround Abba Kyari’s Body, Shun COVID-19 Protocols at Burial

Malik Yahya/

Scores of sympathizers were offered hand sanitizers and gloves today as they milled around the body of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, not minding COVID-19 protocols during his burial in a shallow grave at Gudu Cemetery, in Abuja today.

Kyari died on Friday at a private hospital in Lagos, 25 days after he tested positive to the novel Coronavirus on March 23, following his return from Germany where he had reportedly travelled to seal a deal on power generation with Siemen.

He had issued a statement on March 29 as he moved to Lagos for treatment at the First Cardiology Consultants Hospital, at 20A Thompson Ave, Ikoyi.

In Kyari’s hometown, the Shehu of Bama, Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, described him as a misunderstood Nigerian and an English man to the core who never betrayed his principal.

He revealed that Kyari’s father was a traditional ruler of one of the emirates in Bornu State for 60 years.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi also described Kyari in a statement as a cool-headed personality.

A statement issued after the burial by the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, says, “The remains of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, arrived in Abuja Saturday morning from Lagos, and have been buried at Gudu cemetery after funeral prayers at his residence.

“As advised by the protocols put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health on social distancing, the burial marks the end of all ceremonies and there will be no condolence visits to family and the Presidency.

“Well-wishers and all other Nigerians are instead advised to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Chief of Staff.

“A condolence register will be opened at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) from Sunday for those who are able to use the window permitted for movement by the FCT administration.”

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