Ahead of his imminent appointment as President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, on Wednesday morning, arrived at the Presidential Villa.
Although no official announcement has been made by the Presidency, the scholar-diplomat is highly expected to take up the mantle left by Abba Kyari who died in April of complications from coronavirus.
Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Mai-Martaba Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari further fueled the speculation by congratulating the ex-Minister.
In a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Abdulazeez Arowona, the monarch described the appointment as a “great honour to the entire people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwarans at large.”
The emir said the choice of the former diplomat would be justified by his “outstanding contributions, administrative experience, scholarship and excellence which he would inject into the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government towards ensuring good governance, democratic dividends as well as shared prosperity in the nation.”
He also congratulated Gambari on the new appointment, saying he has confidence in his ability to justify the confidence reposed in him by the president.
“He will surely bring to fore his wealth of experience as an academician, former Minister, former Diplomat, former University Chancellor, Prince of the renown Alimi dynasty, family man and community leader of high repute,” the emir said.
Gambari was minister for external affairs between 1984 and 1985 when Buhari’s was military head of state.
