Breaking: Ibrahim Gambari confirmed as Buhari’s new chief of staff

President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the appointment of Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari as the new chief of staff.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha made the announcement on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which held virtually, with just a few of council members physically in attendance.

Prof. Gambari who was a former Minister of External Affairs under the military regime of then Major General Muhammadu Buhari incidentally assumed office the same day he attended his first FEC meeting as the Chief of Staff.

Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to United Nations between 1990 to 1999 took over from late Mallam Abba Kyari, who died last month as a result of complications from Coronavirus pandemic infection.

The opening Christian prayer at the FEC was said by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, while the Muslim prayer was said by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

As at the time the FEC meeting which was conducted virtually started at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, only about seven Ministers were physically present.

Meanwhile, the new Chief of Staff, Prof. Gambari earlier before the commencement of the FEC was received on arrival at the Presidential Villa by Senior Presidency officials including the Director of Protocol, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed and the Permanent Secretary State House, Mallam Tijani Umar.

Others include the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs, Office of the Vice President, Amb. Abdullahi Gwari as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garuba Shehu who all ushered him into the Aso Chambers of the State House, Abuja.