It’s ‘belittling’ to list my name as possible replacement for Kyari —Isa Funtua

One of those allegedly listed as options to serve as President Muhammadu Buhari’s new Chief of Staff (CoS), Ismaila Isa Funtua, has distanced himself from the reports.

Funtua, a multi-millionaire businessman, slammed those behind the alleged listing of his name as Buhari’s possible CoS, describing their action as belittling.

Following the death of Abba Kyari, Buhari’s former CoS, to Covid-19, a list of names, including that of Funtua, have been circulating on social media as possible replacement for Kyari.

However, during an interview on BBC Hausa service on Tuesday, Funtua said:

“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 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 out of government..

“I should be employing people now not trying to struggle for government appointment… At my level and age people should first see if am fit to serve and see if am strong enough and if am up-to-date with current realities of governance…

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“At this level, appointment 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 8am 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.”

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