This could be your toughest assignment, Tinubu tells Gambari

Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has told Ibrahim Gambari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari that this could be his toughest assignment.

Gambari has served as under secretary-general of the United Nations and as the secretary-general’s special envoy on Cyprus, Zimbabwe and Myanmar and special representative in Angola.

He was the minister of external affairs in the military regime of Buhari between 1984 and 1985.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Tinubu described Gambari as a renowned diplomat, statesman and scholar who has served this nation in many important positions.

“His intellect, broad experience and skills in administration and diplomacy have adequately prepared and equipped him for the important job he now has,” he said.

“I congratulate Professor Gambari on his selection and commend President Buhari for making such a thoughtful and prudent choice at this crucial moment.

“Prof. Gambari will work competently and with dedication to help President Buhari advance his policy and governance priorities just as he did in the past when he served as minister of external affairs in the 1980’s.

“My personal knowledge of chief of staff Gambari is that he is an erudite man who knows and loves this country and who strongly believes in the Nigerian project and President Buhari’s change agenda.

“Over a long and illustrious career, Prof. Gambari has proved his mettle nationally and internationally. His resume takes a back seat to none.

“At this time when the entire world is combating the coronavirus pandemic and the economic consequences thereof, Prof. Gambari’s expertise and international reputation will help Nigeria galvanise national, regional and international efforts and resources to contain this viral menace and to advance Nigeria’s interests on other important matters.

“His is a tough assignment, perhaps the hardest he has had, but he is a special person with great attributes. He will meet the challenge by discharging his duties with excellence and high purpose.”