ECOWAS President Recalls Last Discussions With Abba Kyari

The president of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari on the death of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

Brou wrote a condolence letter to President Buhari, where he recalled his last discussions with Kyari.

Kyari died on Friday from complications of Coronavirus and was buried on Saturday at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.

Brou described Kyari’s death as a sad one, adding that the ECOWAS Commission felt Buhari’s pain, having lost a friend and compatriot of 42 years.

“His death is very shocking and it is painful to his family, country and to us at ECOWAS.

“I remember that after the audience Your Excellency granted me on Friday 20 March, 2020, Alhaji and I spoke at length about various issues regarding our region.

“Since my appointment as President of ECOWAS Commission, I have greatly benefited from his experience and indepth knowledge of regional issues,” he said.

Brou prayed to God to comfort Buhari, Kyari’s family, friends and associates.

Meanwhile, 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.

“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.”