A Presidential source has told P.M.NEWS that President Muhammadu Buhari did not cancel any appointment or approval made by the late Chief of staff Abba Kyari.
This is contrary to a report circulating in the social media.
The Guardian reported that Buhari directed his new Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari to cancel about 150 appointments or memos done by Kyari, without his principal’s acquiescence.
No fewer than 150 memos without the President’s authorisation may have been affected, according to the report.
But a spokesman of the President emphatically denied the story.
“The Guardian that wrote the report has amended it several times. There is no substance in it. It’s all fake news”, he said.
Abba Kyari died in Lagos on 17 April, from coronavirus complications. He was 67.
President Buhari issued a rare eulogy for his aide, describing him not just as a loyal staff, but also as a friend.
“Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one – whether minister or governor had access beyond another – and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally”, Buhari said in his tribute.
“He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian – regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty – was heard and treated respectfully and the same.
“Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great. Rest In Peace, my dearest friend”, Buhari added.