The appointment of Former UN Envoy, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari as the Chief of Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari has seen many reactions and congratulatory messages from different quarters.
Leading the International community in such messages is the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE. Catriona Laing. She congratulated the new Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, on her twitter handle a few hours after he (Gambari) was unveiled to the world as the man that will replace late Mallam Abba Kyari as CoS to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as a result of the death of the late CoS Abba Kyari who died on Friday, April 17, 2020, from covid-19 complications.
The New Chief of Staff was sworn-in on Wednesday 13th May 2020 before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The man whom many describe as the medal on the block is a Nigerian academician, diplomat and had held various positions in the diplomatic circle in the course of the trajectory of his career and public life. Prof. Gambari whom many also refer to as another Global citizen is from a Royal Family in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.
The British High Commissioner in her twitter message said, “Delighted to hear that @MBuhari has appointment the hugely experienced diplomat Professor, Ibrahim Gambari as his new COS.
“@UKinNigeria looks forward to working closely with you on our shared agenda in the challenging COVIDー19 times. Congratulations.”
Another leading figure who sent his messages, is a former diplomat, friend and private sector’s leading icon, the immediate past President of African Business Roundtable (ABR), HE Ambassador Dr. Bamanga Tukur who described Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari as a top professional diplomat, seasoned mediator and one who believes in meritocracy.
Dr. Tukur added that that the new CoS will bring new ways of doing business and strengthening the Nigerian brand globally. According to him, “Post-Covid 19, Nigeria need to focus on the economy not politics, which should be a driving force for Africa’s development. It is time for the sleeping giant to wake up and take its rightful position. To lead the private sector in the economic revival and development should be through one strong trade path, the necessary foundation. Organisations such as AfDB, ABR, African Free trade Zone most be brought together.”
“If Nigerians are given the chance to head such, it will take the continent higher and ABR can coordinate and put the necessary structures under a new trade platform to flourished”. Having partners in North, South, East and West Africa with an overseeing committee. I have no doubt that Ambassador will succeed on this major call and an assignment to the nation.”
Also former Chairman and an Executive of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation NIDO and Commandant of Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp Alistair Soyode in his message said “It is with good sense of responsibility and expectation especially from the Diaspora community who are their millions that we send our best wishes believing as a meritous diplomat Prof. Gambari will deploy his skill to bring in the best of the Diaspora Nigerians to participate in the nation’s building”. MC Alistair also used the medium to call on Nigerians all over the world to support the new CoS to deliver on good and sustainable governance especially during the post Covid-19 era.
The author of this piece, Festus Emeka is a contributor at African Heritage Magazine
