Ismaila Isa Funtua, a Northern businessman has slammed those who are suggesting that he could succeed the late Abba Kyari as the president’s chief of staff. He insists the role is beneath him. He stated in an interview on BBC Hausa on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, that even President Buhari would not dare ask him to be Chief of Staff.
According to him, “it’s ridiculing for some people to mention my name as a possible replacement for Abba Kyari. The story is belittling. Now I employ people, not someone to employ me. I had worked with the government in the 80s, worked with NA, Native Authority. I was a minister of the Federal republic in 1983”.
“Therefore….for someone to shortlist me for that position is ridiculing especially for a man who served as a minister about 40 years ago and (is currently) out of government.. I should be employing people now not trying to struggle for (a) government appointment… At my level and age, people should first see if I am fit to serve and see if I am strong enough and if I am up-to-date with current realities of governance… ”
“At this level, appointment(s) like that should be for our children, the younger generation. Not for my type … Even if they approach the president with my name, he knows he cannot ask me to serve at this age …For Allah’s sake, You mean at my age I should be waking up at 8 am to go to work?”
“I’ve surpassed that level in life… it’s for people like you and other younger persons… We should stop ridiculing public offices simply because getting appointments,” he said.
Hattip to Vanguard
