News of the death of Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari, has shattered Mr President and cast a pall of gloom on the Presidency.

Aso Rock sources said the President was distressed by the news especially after Kyari showed signs of improvement last week.

Abba Kyari had pre-existing conditions as he was both diabetic and hypertensive. According to medics, persons with such conditions rarely survive Covid-19 as their immune system had already been weakened. Besides, he was above 60 years old which also meant that his immune system may have been impaired on account of age.

The Presidency on Saturday morning announced the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed the death  in a statement in Abuja.

”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,” the statement said.