The Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), has described death of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari, as a monumental loss to the nation.

The Minister in a condolence message he personally signed said the death has deprived Nigeria, of his service loyalty, honesty, dedication especially at this crucial time in the drive toward the total transformation of our country.

On his relationship with late Kyari, the Minister said:“Since I joined the administration as a member of the Federal Executive Council, I had very cordial working relationships with the late Abba Kyari and our discussions always focused on ways of moving Nigeria forward.”

Magashi said the late Chief of Staff to the President would be remembered as a fine and thorough breed administrator of international repute who gave his all to the nation and humanity. While he was in the saddle, he demonstrated uncommon patriotic zeal and unwavering determination to ensure that President Buhari’s vision for a new Nigeria was taken to a logical conclusion.

“My heartfelt condolence goes to President Muhammadu Buhari with whom he had worked closely, the Kyari’s family and the nation in general,” he added.

“I believe strongly that the death of Kyari particularly on Friday and in the period of epidemic have spiritual undertone that Almighty Allah will make Jannah his abode.”

He then prayed to Almighty Allah for the repose of the soul of the departed patriot and the fortitude for the family to bear the irreplaceable loss.