I was seriously hit by the news of the death of the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari. I sent a message to my contact in his office, Hajiya Amina, on Friday, 17th April 2020 at 7.56pm enquiring after his health with a prayer that he was much better, I quote, “Salaam. I hope you are well. My regards to the COS please. I pray he is much better. Take care.” I didn’t get her usual response which I normally do as I frequently enquired after him since he fell sick.
I thought about the lack of response and I prayed for him to get well. Unknowingly he may have passed on even as at the time I sent her the message.
It was my husband who broke the sad news of his death to me. It was a very sad moment. My first and last meeting with him was on Sunday, 2nd February, 2020. Earlier on, I had written to him requesting him to assist the university to facilitate approval for the upgrade of Reshid Shekoni Specialist Hospital to a Teaching Hospital for Federal University Dutse. Since then we had been in constant communication with his office, I actually marvelled at the efficiency considering how busy the office was.
I remember mentioning that I got weekly communication from the office of COS to the Minister of Health and he replied that the COS was constantly after him on the matter also. When I received a message that he would see me, I prayed may he be receptive so I could feel relaxed to pour out all my requests to him.
I have heard so much about him from people and the social media; about his “arrogance” and how “he blocks people from reaching the President”. Within the first minute of our meeting, all the views people had expressed about him filled my head including the accusations made by an alleged family member on a programme aired by VOA on Mondays, ‘Ciki da gaskiya’.
Immediately I entered his office, he offered me tea which I declined and he asked if I was fasting to which I replied no. His next remark took me by surprise, he said he hoped we gave special consideration to the educationally disadvantaged in our admissions.
Instantly I wondered in my mind how could people have such negative opinion about this person, and I kept thinking about it all through our discussion that I may have missed some information he tried to pass on. I found him to be receptive and far from being arrogant. From his initial remarks he definitely had the interest of the country at heart. I was so relaxed with him that after discussing what he invited me for, I told him that I had three other requests on which I would need his assistance and he said he would be happy to assist if they are within his power. I mentioned them and I was guided on what to do. I was also happy with the observation that the requests I made were not bogus at all. His ability at multi-tasking was incredible because as we discussed he was simultaneously busy on his phone messaging and making calls to top government officials on important issues that affected the nation and directing and advising on what to do.
I came out feeling this is a job that I definitely cannot do and I realised how easy it was to misunderstand a person holding such a sensitive position. As a mark of humility he escorted me despite my plea for him not to and I couldn’t help thinking, could this really be happening, the Chief of Staff seeing an ordinary person off?
May Allah have mercy on the soul of Abba Kyari and may He accept his shahada. Ameen. Mr President please accept my condolence and that of staff and students of Federal University Dutse for the loss of this loyal staff. RIP Abba Kyari.
•Prof. Fatima Batul Mukhtar, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Dutse
