-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Nike SOGBOLA:

Yobe House of Assembly member Lawan Nguru has agreed to the test that he was positive for COVID-19.

He also said he had at no time refused to be isolated, though he still feel health.

The lawmaker who is representing Nguru Central Constituency and the only PDP opposition member at the Assembly, in a statement on Wednesday said he agrees to the test result which indicated he was positive to the pandemic.

He said,, in the statement in Damaturu, that he had also gone into isolation on the instruction of health personnel.

Nguru, however in the statement, denied media reports alleging that he refused to go into isolation.

He said he can never undermine efforts of the state government in containing the pandemic by putting the lives of people in danger as a lawmaker.

The lawmaker expressed confidence in the “proactive manner” the Yobe state Government is handling the pandemic, just as he advised the people of the state to follow all advice from medical personnel in other to stop the spread of the virus.

He said: “Presently, I am in isolation centre and recuperating in a very stable condition waiting for further directives from Health officers.

“In addition, I salute the gesture shown to us by Yobe State Government in up keeping the victims and in controlling the spread of the virus in the state.”

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- By Bawo Akpo OFERE/Albert OGRAKA:

In a bid to ensure the safety of staff, ahead of the partial resumption to work after the government lockdown order, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has successfully carried out decontamination and fumigation of the Commission’s offices before resumption of duties.

The exercise, which took place on 2nd May, 2020, was sequel to the approval of the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Bashorun Hon. Askia Ogieh, for the safety of staff from the COVID-19 pandemic and to rid the offices of rodents, termites, reptiles and insects.

All the offices and precincts of the Commission were appropriately fumigated and decontaminated by the firm contracted to do the job while the exercise was duly supervised by select staff from the Environment Division of the Social Services Department.

The entire process was properly monitored by the duo of the Director, Administration and Supplies, Pst. Ferdinand Ebiboh and a Deputy Director in the department, Mr. Ejogbamu Sam.

The decontamination and fumigation exercise was made possible by the cooperation and compliance of the various Heads of Departments, secretaries and other staff that made themselves available to make sure all the offices were open.

The exercise began with offices at the Warri-Sapele Road Head Office, from both blocks, to the ongoing building behind block B, to the newly acquired office space by the Head Office, and to the Annex Office at Swamp Road.

According to the Director, Department of Administration and Supplies, Pst. Ferdinand Ebiboh, the idea behind the decontamination and fumigation, (and not just fumigation alone) was a well thought proactive initiative by the Chief Executive of the Commission, Bashorun Hon. Askia Ogieh, against the backdrop of the current ravaging coronavirus pandemic that has radically changed the rhythm of corporate governance all over the world.

“This effort has offered hope that more measures will be put in place to monitor and ensure the sustenance of the various measures already started, including social distancing, hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers at our offices.

“As staff of certain grade levels and essential services prepare to resume duties on Monday May 4, 2020 in the aftermath of the executive directive by His Excellency the Governor of the state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the current preventive measure by the Board being a major one is highly commendable indeed.

“Consequently, all staff are admonished that the safety of everyone else is dependent on them via their actions and omission.

“By our collective cooperation in this wise, we are certain to continue driving the preventive effort of the state government.”

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLA, Maiduguri:

The Borno State High Powered Committee on COVID-19 seems to have shied away from the press and public scrutiny for fear that they may be compelled to divulge the cause of death of prominent indigenes of the state.

As at the time of the last press briefing on Wednesday, the committee was bombarded with enquiries on what could have been responsible for the death of the Shehu of Bama, Kyari Elkanemi.

The Shehu’s cause of death, which the committee in spite of being an open secret that he died from COVID-19, seems to be hiding.

The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura, a medical doctor, had hidden under the secrecy of client’s health condition evaded given confirmation on the cause of death of the late Shehu despite the fact that as a Commissioner of health he hold it a duty to protect the life of generality of the people (public health) of the state.

The journalists were not impressed with the commissioner’s tactics especially as some of them few days before his death had interviewed him in person, and where afraid of what could have become of them and that perhaps they should go on self isolation.

The journalists were equally unhappy how would the government had gone on tracing contacts with the Shehu since he was not declared to have died of the pandemic.

Just when the issue of the Shehu was gaining mileage, a lawmaker, believed to have died of COVID-19, cause of death was kept secret by the state.

With the death of another high profile indigene of Borno State, the first civilian governor of Old Borno (present day Yobe and Borno), Alhaji Mohammed Goni, the journalists were bracing up to ask the committee for the cause of death.

This could not however be achieved as the committee has not come out to brief then.

The governor of the state, had early tasked the committee to ensure that the media were briefed daily.

But in the last two days, the committee had shied from the media though the figure of death and positive cases continued to rise.

This has made the people of the state apprehensive of the correct situation of health in the state and whether the committee has anything to hide.

Journalists who gathered at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House for the second day awaiting the arrival of the committee members were told to disperse as there was not going to be any briefing.

They had waited from between 5-5:30pm before the usual Master of Ceremony for the occasion Mr. Lanre Obadiah, a Special Assistant to the Governor announced that from all indications, the briefing will not be holding.

He however gave the assurance that the briefing will certainly hold the following day (Saturday) and expressed regret for whatever inconveniences that the failure to address them might have caused.
Sent from my iPhone

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Editor:

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, has said that public and private primary and secondary schools in the state will remain closed till May 30, 2020 as directed by the Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Chief Ukah, who was reacting to an online publication trending on the social media that he held a meeting where it was agreed that schools will reopen in the state on Monday, May 4, 2020, stated that he did not hold any meeting or authorized the holding of any meeting on reopening of schools in the state.

He advised members of the public to disregard such information as schools will remain closed in the state till May 30, 2020 as directed by the state governor.

Chief Ukah cautioned mischief makers to stay clear from the activities of the ministry and disclosed that relevant authorities are closing up on the source of the fake news who will be dealt with approximately to serve as deterrent to others who harbour such thoughts.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Editor:

Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has said that the free teleclass learning programme on radio and television will continue to run till schools resume in the state for the benefit of the target audience which are the students.

A statement signed by the Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Chief Patrick Ukah, in Asaba yesterday (01/05/2029), revealed that after due consultation with stakeholders, the ministry wishes to encourage interested students to learn on the alternative online and media channels that may be provided by private institutions of learning.

Chief Ukah also said that following the conclusion of the first phase of the programme on Thursday, there will be repetition of previous topics till May 6, 2020 when the second phase will begin to run with new topics.

The Basic and Secondary Educated Commissioner cautioned private school owners in the state on their plans to start online classes for the 3rd term for their students.

He made it categorically clear that the academic calendar for the 2nd term has not been concluded, stressing that the academic calendar is the same for public and private schools in the state.

Chief Ukah said that once schools are reopened for academic activities, the ministry will release a revised academic calendar for the 2019/2020 academic year.
He stated that any private school that goes contrary to the approved academic calendar in the state will face severe sanctions from the state government.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Ex-militants in the Niger Delta region, have alleged that certain dubious and corrupt contractors to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were sponsoring the incessant attacks against Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The ex-militants who spoke through their leader, Gen. Romeo Fynebone, Coordinator, Niger Delta Liberation Movement NDLM, yesterday, said the attacks on Senator Godswill Akpabio was purely a case of corruption fighting back.

Fynebone alleged that the contractors were in connivance with some national lawmakers who seemed to be scared of the forensic audit that was graciuosly approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to audit the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission from inception.

Meanwhile, it will be recalled that the Interim Management Commitee (IMC) had few days ago submitted it’s report to the Lead Consultant and Auditors for the commencement of the forensic audit.

He said ” these dubious contractors and some National Assembly members have started engaging vulnerable youths in the region to engage in protests against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC. The truth is that they afraid of the forensic audit”

According to Fynebone ” we the ex-militants and members of Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM), would not allow them have their way. We implore youths of the Niger Delta region not to be misled by peanuts as the Minister and the IMC in conjunction with the forensic auditors will bring those that have stolen our collective funds to book”.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLA, Maiduguri:

The two COVID-19 positive persons that were reported to have been on the run in Maiduguri, on Monday resurfaced.

One of the two, Abbas Hassan, a 24 year-old male, who tested positive was found after he was traced to a resident in Maiduguri at about 2am, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura revealed.

The Commissioner said a combined team of health surveillance and investigation team, backed by a police escort traced the patient who was in a critical state to his family house in Gwange II.

He said he was immediately moved on stretcher and is now on ventilator at an isolation centre.

He said health workers are doing everything humanly possible to revive the patient while a contact tracing and surveillance team has been deployed to identify persons who may have had direct and indirect contacts with him for risk assessment, isolation advice and collection of samples for tests.

The second, Hauwa Mohammed, 42 year-old female, who was declared at large after testing positive to COVID-19 is said to have reported herself to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)

An apology was given by officials of UMTH laboratory and the Borno Commissioner of Health for declared are to be at large.

The apology was given after Hauwa protested that she did not receive communication from the COVID-19 lab at UMTH or from officials of the state response team.

She disclosed that she had been on self isolation since her sample was taken for test due to exposure of a confirmed case days back.

Borno’s commissioner of health and secretary of the state’s high powered response team told journalists that Hauwa brought herself in a very responsible and medically professional manner which was highly commendable.

She said even though Hauwa was on self isolation since her sample was taken, a surveillance and investigation team has been deployed to assess risks of infection in line with the protocol of dealing with epidemics and pandemics.

With Hauwa’s return, all COVID-19 patients in Borno state are now fully accounted for.

It would be recalled that at about 2am today, 24-year old male was traced and moved to hospital isolation, hours after he was at large.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike SOGBOLA, North East Correspondent:

Fear has gripped Maiduguri, the Borno State capital as two patients, Abbas Hassan, a 24 year-old male and Hauwa Mohammed, 42 year-old female, are on the run after testing positive to COVID-19 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)

The man is said to be residing at Layin Tanki in Gwange II while the woman lives in Shuwari ward, both in Maiduguri.

The Borno Commissioner of Health and Secretary to the state’s high powered response team for the prevention and control of COVID-19, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura alerted the public at the team’s daily media briefing held on Sunday.

The commissioner said the male patient (Abbas) was in initial telephone contact with the response team after his sample was collected, but eventually switched off his phone when he learnt he tested positive.

He also said a phone number through which the patient’s mother was in touch with the team was also been switched off.

“When samples of patients with contacts to index cases are collected, they are normally advised to go on self-isolation. They give their contacts so they can be reached when results are out. This is the standard medical procedure. You cannot detain someone with suspected contact.

“We do not have the lawful powers to do that. Other patients were also allowed to leave but they came into isolation centres and we have 19 of them in two isolation centres. However, the young man in question, chose to go into hiding”.

He noted that a diligent surveillance and investigation team is working very hard to track the patient.

Kwaya-Bura called on anyone who test positive to the disease not to regard it as a death sentence, noting that majority of those who test positive have recovered.

The Commissioner disclosed that 16 of Borno’s COVID-19 cases emanated from community transmission, while 14 others were connected with the index and another case.

He advised residents to take serious preventive measures across the state.

He announced that the response team plans to ensure that anyone entering major markets at the relaxation of lockdown on Monday must wear a face mask which can be made of cloth material if one does not have the medical mask.

He said the response team will be making masks available while hand washing points will also be increased to ensure hands are washed at entry and exit points.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

In compliance with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, for all Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Commands to donate palliatives to members of NAF host communities in commemoration of the NAF’s 56th Anniversary, the Tactical, Mobility, Special Operations, Air Training, Ground Training and Logistics Commands have concluded the distribution of food items and other essentials to indigent members of their host communities. The distribution of palliatives by the NAF Commands, which took place from 23 – 25 April 2020, is coming just a few days after the distribution of similar relief packages by the Headquarters NAF and the National Secretariat of the NAF Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) to host communities in Abuja. Some of the palliatives distributed to cushion the economic effect of the lockdown imposed to curb the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic included beans, noodles, tubers of yams, rice, vegetable oil, semovita, bags of Garri, condiments, hand sanitizers and face masks, amongst others.

In Lagos, the Headquarters of the Logistics Command (LC), the distribution of palliatives took place at Ewu, Shogunle, Mafoluku and Shasha Communities in Oshodi/Isolo and Alimosho Local Government Areas (LGA), where 700 families were catered for. Speaking during the handing over of the food items to the Obas of Ewu and Shasha, respectively, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) LC, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Lawal Alao, stated that the palliatives were to be given to the most vulnerable, pregnant women, disabled and aged people in the communities. Expressing his appreciation, the Oba of Ewu, His Royal Majesty Adeshina Kuti, noted that the people of his Community were finding it extremely difficult to feed following the lockdown, adding that the palliatives would go a long way to ease the plight of his community members. In the same vein, the Oba of Shasha His Royal Majesty Babatunde Akanni, while appreciating the NAF for coming to their aid at this critical period, noted that the palliatives donated by the NAF would reduce the hunger and hardship people of the community were experiencing. Beneficiaries, who could not hide their joy, also expressed their appreciation to the NAF.

Host communities of Ground Training Command (GTC) with the Headquarters in Enugu were not left out in the distribution of palliatives as about 200 indigent families in Gabor Village, Emene, Ugbowa, Akpakpa Nike and Agbani in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State benefited from the palliatives. Speaking during the flag off ceremony, the AOC, AVM Idi Amin, stated that the distribution of the palliatives was on the directive of the CAS to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in alleviating the suffering as a result of the lockdown. He therefore urged the beneficiaries to always adhere to the stipulated guidelines such as regular washing of hands with soap, use of hand sanitizers whilst also observing social distancing protocols. The beneficiaries of the gesture expressed appreciation to the NAF for bringing succour to their communities.

In Yenegoa, the Headquarters of Mobility Command (MC), palliatives were distributed to 120 poor and vulnerable households of the PDP and Opolo Communities, including widows and other less privileged, many of whom danced for joy at the NAF’s gesture. The AOC MC, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi, while flagging off the distribution, stated that the programme, in addition to commemorating the NAF’s 56th Anniversary, was also aimed at complementing the efforts of the Federal and State Governments in alleviating the plight of citizens as result of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaking during the event in Bauchi, where 200 families in Gwallaga and Durum Communities in Bauchi LGA were beneficiaries, the AOC, Special Operations Command (SOC), AVM Charles Ohwo, stated that the distribution of the palliatives was part of the NAF’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities. He noted that aside from dropping of bombs and firing of bullets in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country, the Service has always taken action to execute programmes aimed at wining the hearts and minds of host communities.

At the Headquarters Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Benue State, 240 families from Abinsi, Fiidi, Ogondu and Ter Communities benefited from the palliatives. Speaking during the distribution, the AOC, AVM Olusegun Philip, noted that the CAS, in his usual heart of generosity and kindness, found it necessary to send palliatives to cushion the effects of the hardship experienced by families due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He urged everyone to stay at home, keep safe and abide by the established guidelines to stop the  spread of the Coronavirus. In his response at the event, the Ter Makurdi, Chief JD Sule-Abenga, while expressing his appreciation to the NAF, stated that it was the first time these types of palliatives were being extended to his Community.

In Kaduna, the AOC Air Training Command, AVM Musa Mukhtar, was on hand to distribute palliatives to 350 families in Barakallahu, Kauya and Kirama Communities in Rigachikun District of Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Speaking during the event, the AOC noted that the palliatives were being distributed to the poor and vulnerable groups in the Command’s host communities pursuant to the directives of the CAS. He therefore appreciated the CAS for his foresight in initiating the exercise. He stated that the NAF would continue to support community development oriented programmes in Kaduna State. While responding, the Hakeemi of Rigachikun, Abdulrasheed Sani, appreciated the CAS for the laudable initiative, noting that the palliatives would reduce hunger and also mitigate the hardship of the people of his Community.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
25 April 2020

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Five persons were killed in the convoy of former governor of Borno State, Sen. Ali Sheriff along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, a security source has revealed.

The source, who spoke anonymously to our correspondent, said the Boko Haram attacked the Sheriff’s convoy around Auno, few kilometres to Maiduguri.

The security source, disclosed that Sheriff was coming into Maiduguri from Abuja on Thursday evening to take part in the third day post burial prayer for his father, Galadima Sheriff who died last week.

He said Sheriff had travelled in a convoy of nine exotic vehicles.

The source added that they (Sheriff convoy) were trailed by the Boko Haram around Auno.

The source said they (Boko Haram) engaged the escort of Sheriff on Thursday evening at about 6:30pm and in the crossfire killed two police officers, two civilians and a soldiers.

He noted that one of the nine vehicles was damaged at Auno as the convoy was rescued by a team of the Rapid Response Squad deployed to Njimtilo to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown.

The source said the Boko Haram were pushed back by the team of Rapid Response Squad.

This would be the first time that the former governor, who have been frequently threatened by Boko Haram, was engaged by the terrorist group.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:

There has been no increase in incident of COVID-19 in Borno state in the last 24 hours despite the testing of 17 persons believed to have had contact with the index case.

Briefing journalists on Saturday, the Borno State Commissioner of Health and Secretary of the High Powered Response Team for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura, said within the last 24 hours, no positive case was recorded in the state.

He said contrary to the fear of many, 17 persons in Pulka, Gwoza local government area, identified to have had close contact with the first (index) case have all tested negative to the virus.

He explained that a surveillance and investigation team had initially identified 35 individuals with contacts to the index case, but from further analysis, only 17 persons met the medical criteria for tests to be carried out on them.

He however lamented that the state recorded one more death from the 15 positive cases recorded on Thursday.

The Commissioner also said that there was no cause for alarm over the disease breaking out at the camp, disclosing that the positive case which was early arrested at Bakasi IDP camp but mysteriously escaped was later found in the camp and had been taken to an isolation centre.

He said of the 15 cases reported in Borno, seven patients are receiving medical attention at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and 5 patients are at Brigadier General Abba Kyari Isolation centre, managed by the state government, also in Maiduguri.

He noted that the remaining three cases are the deaths recorded.

Meanwhile, the lockdown is to be relaxed on Monday and Thursday to allow for restocking by the residents of the state.

The Commissioner of Information, Babakura Abba-Jatto said the COVID-19 Response Team has accepted and approved a recommendation by the governor asking for lockdown to be relaxed on Monday and Thursday for residents to shop for food,

He however explained that the committee is taking measures to ensure strict social distancing during the days and part of the measures is to enforce the use of face masks as conditions for entrance into major markets, particularly in Maiduguri metropolis which is highly populated.

He said the Response Team plans to make face masks available at market entry points alongside hand sanitizers to be applied by shoppers at entry and exit points at major markets.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Albert OGRAKA:

Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Bashorun Askia Ogieh has urged all Muslim faithful to show more love and compassion in this holy month of Ramadan just as he prayed for God’s mercy to heal the distress and untold pains currently being experienced worldwide caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Bashorun Askia in a Ramadan message Friday in Warri to mark the beginning of the holy month said, “There is no better time than now to show compassion and love towards others, faced with the current Coronavirus pandemic which has rendered many to be helpless and in dire need. Abstinence from worldly pleasures without giving needed assistance to our suffering people, especially the less privilege will be contrary and at variance to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.”

Bashorun Askia who said he always breaks the fasting with the Muslims faithful in Isokoland bemoaned the situation where he will be unable to do so this time because of the lockdown and social distancing directive to curb the spread of the disease.

“For the first time in my life, just like us Christians who observed the Easter in our homes, our Muslim brothers and sisters are about to do the same in this holy month. But it is a silent war we have to wage and win by strictly maintaining all hygienic procedures and obeying the social distancing directives put in place by the government to control the spread of COVID-19.

“Let us enter into this blessed month of Ramadan in hope and assurance that God in His merciful ways will heal the land as He has always done in times of crisis like the one we face now.

“I pray that as the Fourth Pillar of Islam commences, may God give all the faithful the strength to fulfill the needs of this month and to hear and reward all supplications to Him in faith. Amen.”

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on Nigerians to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the divine intervention of the Almighty Allah, particularly as the nation and the world at large seek solution for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement on Friday, urged Nigerians “to use the period to rekindle the virtues of unity, forgiveness, charity, love for one another as well as complete trust in God, which the nation needs to surmount its challenges including the COVID-19 scourge”.

The Minority Leader stressed that the “Ramadan presents an undisputed opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation” and urged Nigerians to “maximize the benefits of the period by praying for the nation and caring for one another, particularly, the less privileged, the sick and the bereaved at this critical time”.

According to Elumelu, “Nigerians are known for our prayerfulness, trust in God and love for one another. The Ramadan, coming at this time, beckons on us all to rekindle these virtues as we jettison all distractions and collectively pray and fight to defeat COVID-19 in our dear country and the world in general”.

Elumelu expressed optimism that the scourge will soon be a thing of the past and called on Nigerians not to despair or surrender to despondency.

The Minority Caucus called on leaders across board and at all levels to redouble their commitment towards the wellbeing of the people, especially in the area of palliatives, security and healthcare.

The caucus however urged Nigerians to continue to adhere to all health safety directives including those on social distancing as well as personal, family and community hygiene, which are vital in the fight against this Plague.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement on Saturday described Mallam Abba Kyari’s death as a huge loss to the nation, particularly at this critical time.

Elumelu described Abba Kyari “as a very humble, loyal and exceptionally dedicated Nigerian who gave his best to the service of our dear fatherland, particularly as the Chief of Staff to the President.

“Our caucus condoles with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kyari family, the government and people of Borno state as well as the Federal Executive Council and prays the Almighty Allah, in His mercies, to grant eternal rest to the faithful departed as well as give the bereaved the fortitude to bear this huge loss”.

Elumelu urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the nation and humanity at large at this critical time.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): By Editor

The Presidency has announced the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

He died on Friday, April 17, 2020.

Kyari had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment at undisclosed health facility.

The Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Mr.Abba Kyari is dead. In Twitter statements by Presidential Spokespersons, both Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari.and Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Muhammadu Buhari, respectively reads:

@FemiAdesina:

Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, passes on. May God rest his soul. Amen. Funeral arrangements to be announced soon.

@GarShehu:

The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.

May God accept his soul.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.