Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential
Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), on Friday described
the late Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu
Buhari, as a noble gentleman who contributed immensely to the
growth and development of Nigeria.
Speaking in a chat with INDEPENDENT, Sagay said it is
unfortunate that many Nigerians spoke in negative terms about the
late Kyari while alive and in death without knowing the kind of man
he really was.
According to him, the testimonies by Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of
Aviation, has painted a vivid picture of who Abba Kyari was even
though he was misjudged by many people who knew little or nothing
about him.
“I didn’t know him very well but I always hear of his dedication
to duty and his single-mindedness in pursuit of his duties. Since
the very sad and tragic passing away of Mallam Abba Kyari, I have
now come to know him more based on the comments and accounts of
those who really knew him.
“If I may mention two, one by Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs; it was very touching and even more surprisingly
and more dramatic is that of the tribute by Femi Fani-Kayode, who
normally is a very vigorous opponent of this government, yet he
went on to give a very fantastic testimony of the man.”
Speaking further, Sagay said many Nigerians who want to serve
the country may refrain from doing so given the manner Nigerians
condemn people who made selfless sacrifices for the country like
the late Abba Kyari.
“So, it has really opened my eyes to who the late Kyari was and
it makes me really reflect whether Nigerians just like to jump to
conclusion without knowing what they are talking about. There was
so much bile and hatred against him when he was alive, which rather
sadly has continued with some people even after his death.
“I have been asking myself whether it is worth the while to
serve Nigeria because of the gross ingratitude and foul mouth
tendencies of Nigerians who don’t speak on facts but on
assumptions, sentiments and what they don’t know about.
“They told a lot of lies about the man while he was alive but as
it turns out, he was a man of sterling qualities who had been
serving this country with all he got, making sacrifices without
looking back.
“He was just quiet because he wasn’t looking for praise from
anybody. He only wanted posterity to be his judge.
“We have lost a very noble gentleman who was a major contributor
to the development of this country,” he said.