By Monsuru Olowoopejo
President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the appointment of former minister, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief of Staff, ending the long hours of controversy over who replaces former Chief of Staff, late Abba Kyari.
Gambari appointment comes after the death of Kyari, who died of coronavirus complications on April 17, 2020, leaving the office vacant barely one month ago.
Confirming his appointment, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced the appointment before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Mustapha explained that the choice of the 75-year-old diplomat was due to his wealth of experience which had earned him international recognition including being former Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid (1990-1994).
Gambari, who arrived the Presidential villa at the early hours on Wednesday, was received by top government officials to ensure nothing prevents his official confirmation.
Hours before Gambari arrival, a Presidential source told our correspondent that there were still plans to replace him with another name considering that he had not been given any official letter to confirm his appointment.
He added that the implementation of the plan was prevented by the wife of the President Aisha Buhari, who stood her ground to ensure Gambari’s appointment remains.
Gambari previous appointment was in 1984 when the Buhari/Idiagbon chose him as the Minister for External Affairs, an appointment that ceased after the administration was toppled by a military coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida regime.
He held several leadership positions at the national and international levels and has built extensive contacts with governments, as well as public and private institutions, especially in Africa.
