It’s sad how covid-19 is not only ruining lives, but most importantly, relationships.
It’s sad but true, one of arguably the most controversial personalities in Buhari’s government is no more, and Nigerians are still dumbfounded at the new reality, and what it means for remaining years of Buhari’s administration.
Buhari’s most trusted cabinet member, and whom critics of the current government refer to as the head of the ‘cabal’ running the Buhari administration, sadly passed away yesterday Friday, 17th April, 2020, has was recently buried at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, Saturday 18th. It is worth noting however, that social distancing wasn’t followed as the body of Kyari was laid to rest.
Another thing is that President Muhammadu Buhari whose most loyal friend, and is seldom known as the de factor president of Nigeria, was nowhere to be found at the burial site according to a report by SR.
It was however, gathered that Buhari was asked to stay away for safety reasons especially considering the highly contagious nature of Coronavirus and the damage it can do to persons in his age bracket.
Considering the fact that Buhari himself has been struggling with his health since becoming president, it is believed that the advice given to him to stay away from Kyari’s burial was for his own safety.
Apart from Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, did not also attend the ceremony, which took place at the Defence House in Abuja.
Also, other top Nigerian Government officials including ministers, lawmakers and even leading members of the ruling All Progressives Congress all shunned Kyari’s burial for fear of contracting the virus.
Many top government officials contacted by the Presidency to attend the solemn ceremony aimed at giving Kyari a befitting ‘last respect’ all politely turned down the invite over the safety of their health.
As a result of the situation, the Presidency, through a statement by Garba Shehu, Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, tried to control any damage and embarrassment the boycott may cause the government.
But according to SR, many government officials and APC stalwarts deliberately stayed away over fears of being infected with the highly contagious virus.
“Many of the top government officials and party stalwarts contacted gave various excuses why they could not attend the burial of Mallam Kyari.
“Some claimed that the notice was very short and there was no way they could meet up with the activities lined up to send Kyari ‘home’ especially at this time when it was not certain who and who have the virus already.
“Many of the officials contacted politely excused themselves and said they were going to be offering moral support from their current locations,” one Presidency source said.
