Mamman Daura, a nephew of President Muhammadu Buhari, has mourned the death of Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to the President.
In a tribute to Kyari made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Friday, Daura described the late Kyari as a man of uncommon attributes of diligence, hard work, intelligence, and loyalty to friends.
He also described the late CoS as a man who constantly strives to improve himself and was prepared for success by the rigors of a Cambridge education and varied experiences in different sectors.
Daura wrote: “I remember when I employed him as a Reporter in the New Nigerian, I was surprised when he accepted the only job available which was a Proof Reader.
”He was a man who constantly strives to improve himself and he was fortified for success as Chief of Staff by the rigors of a Cambridge education and varied experiences in Banking, industry, investment and journalism.
“He set himself the task of defining the role, functions and status of the Chief of Staff.
”He started by consulting previous incumbents of the position he could reach as a way of educating himself of the challenges ahead of him.
”I firmly believe that all future Chiefs of Staff would be judged by the benchmark of Kyari.
“Kyari was an exacting taskmaster and his staff were relieved if he travelled outside the country, but they valued, respected, and even liked him.
”He was at odds with many senior members of the government on economic policies because he tended to look inward for solutions and was not an ideologue.
”He was heavily influenced by two Nobel Laureates, the great West Indian Economist, Professor Arthur Lewis and the eminent Indian Professor Amartya Sen, the latter he frequently called to exchange views.
“Despite holding firm views, his advice to the President was dispassionate, even-handed and did not hide unpleasant facts, in the best traditions of public service.
“In point of intellect, he stood above all Ministers and Special Advisers in this government. But personally, he was modest, ever willing to learn, ever willing to help others.
“He was a man who lived a fairly simple life and would habitually wear his shoes to the ground before buying a new pair.
“For us, he will always be remembered with sadness in our hearts and tears in our eyes.”
