Buhari Loses Second Aide In One Week

Less than a week after losing his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, to Coronavirus (COVID-19), President Muhammadu Buhari has lost his personal bodyguard of over five years on Tuesday.

Lawal Mato, who until his death served as Warrant Officer to President Buhari, was said to have died after battling diabetes for three years.

Mato’s death was announced in a tweet by the president’s aide on new media, Bashir Ahmad, on Tuesday.

Bashir said the deceased had been working with Buhari before he became president in 2015.

After three years of struggling with diabetes, one of President @MBuhari’s personal bodyguards, Warrant Officer, Lawal Mato has passed away, earlier today. Mr. Mato had been working with the President for many years before he won the 2015 elections.

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 21, 2020

In a statement by his senior media assistant, Garba Shehu, Buhari described the officer as “very thorough, trustworthy and dependable soldier who carried out his duty with diligence and focus.’’

The president had lost his Chief of Staff and friend of over 42 years on Friday.

In his tribute to Kyari, President Buhari described the late Chief of Staff as a “loyal friend and compatriot” of over 42 years who, “never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.”

He said, “Becoming my Chief of Staff in 2015, he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement my agenda.

“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.”