Abba Kyari: Isa Funtua Breaks Silence On Being Buhari’s Chief of Staff

Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua, an alleged member of the Nigerian presidential cabal, has dismissed reports that he is in the running to replace Abba Kyari as President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff.

Naija News recalls that a national newspaper had on Sunday named Funtua as one of the favourites to replace the late Abba Kyari.

Speaking on the issue on Sunday, Alhaji Funtua, a second Republic Minister, advised those linking him with the post of CoS to President Buhari, to look elsewhere.

Funtua stated that he is unemployable and not interested in the CoS position.

He said: “I am an employer of labour and, therefore, unemployable.

“I was a minister in 1983. What position will I be interested in now? I am embarrassed that a national newspaper could display such level of ignorance by connecting me with the Chief of Staff job.”

Isa Funtua was the Administrative Officer, Katsina Native Authority, for seven years, Minister of Water Resources in the defunct Second Republic, a member of the 1994-1995 Constitutional Conference, and founder of Bulet International Nigeria Limited (the largest wholly-owned indigenous construction company).

Naija News recalls that the Presidency in the early hours of Saturday announced the death of Mallam Abba Kyari.

A native of Borno State in the northeast. Kyari was a journalist and former banker, who held senior positions in some of the country’s banks.

The late 67-year-old lawyer, businessman and politician served President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 till his death on Friday.

Abba Kyari tested positive to coronavirus on his return from Germany and subsequently died of the infection in Lagos.

His death has generated reactions and condolences from opposition parties and supporters in Nigeria.

The Former Chief of Staff was buried on Saturday at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.