The United States government has written a condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria over the death of Abba Kyari.

The Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, revealed that ‘Kyari played an important role in the repatriation of over $300 million in funds stolen by former head of state, Sani Abacha.

Garba Shehu who obtained the letter quoted Tibor Nagy as describing the late Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari as a dedicated public servant and respected interlocutor for the American government.

‘‘Kyari was a valued and respected interlocutor for the U.S. government and particularly for our leadership team in Abuja,” Garba Sheu quoted Tibor Nagy as saying.

‘‘We appreciate working with him on many important matters, including the return to the Nigerian people of over $300 million in funds stolen by Sani Abacha.

‘‘He envisioned the funds going to three geographically disparate infrastructure projects as a way to unite Nigeria economically,’’ Nagy said.

‘‘His dedication to this matter, to fighting corruption, and to countless other investments and policies for the future of Nigeria will leave a lasting impact on your country,’’ President Trump’s lead diplomat for Africa wrote in the condolence message.

Malam Abba Kyari died after contracting the novel coronavirus which has so far claimed nearly 200,000 lives, according to Wikipedia.