Abba Kyari struck me as remarkably intelligent – Archbishop of Canterbury

 

BY OUR REPORTER

The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, has said that late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, struck him as an intelligent and thoughtful person.

In a letter of condolence dated April 21, 2020 to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Archbishop of Church of England expressed sadness over the passage of Mallam Kyari, saying his death must have been a significant blow to the president.

According to a statement issued Friday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Archbishop Welby said he recognised that “the Chief of Staff is a role on which one depends more than almost any other,” stressing that occupants of that strategic position “need to be trusted and willing to have your interests most closely at heart.”

READ: Abba Kyari was hardworking, dependable, loyal – Pius Anyim

The Archbishop, who is a personal friend of President Buhari, further said: “The fact that you entrusted Abba Kyari with your messages to me and to others demonstrates the faith you have in him.

“I am sure that his death is a significant blow to you personally, as well as to your government.

“This letter therefore brings my condolence at the loss of a man who struck me as remarkably intelligent and thoughtful…”

Archbishop Welby also extended his commiserations to Mallam Kyari’s family.

Mallam Abba Kyari died last Friday in Lagos from complication arising from the coronavirus infection, at the age of 67. He was buried the following day, Saturday, in Abuja, according to Muslim rites.