News
Jonathan, Wike, Others Condole Buhari Over Abba Kyari’s Death
The former military President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday, condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari over the demise of his Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari.
Babangida, in his message to the President, described Kyari as a very dedicated, conscientious, forthright, roundly qualified, astute, and patriotic servant of Nigeria.
According to him, as chief of staff, he pre-occupied himself to always stand by you as a loyal staff, friend, and adviser, who always answered the call to duty.
Babangida said: “He was always ready to render you the necessary support in line with the policy principles and objectives of your administration.
“I have no iota of doubt that Kyari had performed all his tasks creditably to your absolute satisfaction believing in his capacity and competency, he was honest, simple, humble, and transparent.
“He always puts the people, the nation, and your good self first in all his actions and duties.
“Undoubtedly, you and his family will miss Kyari the most, as Muslims, we believe and accept that we shall all return to Allah, the Supreme Giver of Life.
“It is stated in the traditions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, that whosoever dies as a result of an epidemic affliction is a martyr, and I fervently pray so it shall be for Kyari.
“I pray that Allah will accord him the reward and honour as a martyr.
“Additionally, Kyari also passed on one of the most auspicious days for Muslims, namely Friday.”
Babangida said that the President had lost a great ally, friend, admirer, and compatriot who served him and the nation with extreme loyalty and patience.
He urged the President, as a committed Muslim with a depth of faith and as a gallant military officer who fought to unite this country, to take solace in the legacies left behind by Kyari.
“Please, remain steadfast in the challenging tasks heaved upon you, our country, and people by the Covid-19 epidemic. I pray for the quick end of this deadly scourge,” he said.
He also prayed to Allah to shower His Mercy and Forgiveness on Kyari by placing him among the dwellers of His Highest Paradise.
“And to his immediate family, I pray to Allah to grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss of a decent man with equanimity,” he said.
Also, the former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan condoled with the President and the Kyari family over the death of the late chief of staff, who was buried earlier on Saturday in Abuja.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Buhari also received condolence messages from Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State on behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong on behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum as well as Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kawra State and Senator Umar Ibrahim Kurfi.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, in Port Harcourt, last Saturday, quoted Wike as stating that “the death of Abba Kyari was a great loss not only to President Buhari but the entire nation”.
He described him as a patriot, trustworthy, humble and caring leader who contributed immensely to the development of the country.
In the same vein, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.
A statement by Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said, Diri also condoled with the Kyari family, saying his departure was a huge loss to Nigeria.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and for his memory to be blessed continually.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, had last Saturday, received several messages of condolences from foreign and national leaders over the death of Abba Kyari, his late chief of staff.
A statement by Garba Shehu, indicated that the President received telephone calls from Ghanaian President, Nana Akuffo-Ado, and President Muhammadou Youssoufou of Niger Republic.
He also received calls of condolences from ex-President Yayi Boni of Benin Republic and two former Nigerian Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Buhari also received similar messages of condolence from the embassies of friendly countries, including Egypt, Chad and Liberia, as well as US President Donald Trump.
Messages were also received from Governors Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State; Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Prof Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Abubakar Bagudu, Kebbi; Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State; former governors of Katsina, Sa’idu Barda; Zamfara, Abdulaziz Yari; and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara as well as the former Senate President, Ken Nnamanni; the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar 111; and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Ayokunle; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.
The Emirs of Kazaure, Najib Hussaini Adamu; Gwandu, Gen Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar (rtd); and that of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Al-Bashir Bukar; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; and the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb Mamman Nuhu; were among the early callers.
Calls to the President were also received from Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi; former ministers, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; and Gen Ike Umaru Sanda Nwachukwu; Senators Monsurat Sunmonu; and Kabiru Marafa as well as Pastor Tunde Bakare.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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