Some Nigerians have raised dust over President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech directing incoming Ministers to go through Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, if they want to see him.
The speech which he delivered at the two-day presidential retreat for ministers-designate, presidential aides and other top government functionaries held at the State House in Abuja on Monday is standard protocol, Chronicle NG reports.
The President in his speech said, “In terms of coordination, kindly ensure that all submissions for my attention or meeting requests be channelled through the Chief of Staff, while all Fed. Executive Council matters be coordinated through the SGF.”
Chronicle NG found that the Chief of Staff to the President is responsible for scheduling meetings with the President.
According to a statement on the official website of the State House the functions of Mr Kyari includes coordination of meetings.
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“The Office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is overseen by the Chief of Staff to the President. The current occupant of that position is Alhaji Abba Kyari, appointed August 27, 2015,” says the State House website.
“The Chief of Staff manages the President’s schedule and correspondence, and any other duties that may be assigned by the President.”
Similarly, the functions of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was explained.
“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation monitors and coordinates the implementation of government policies and programmes; serves as the frontline advisory institution of the Presidency; drives policy formulation, harmonization, and implementation; and monitors Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”
In simple terms, the Chief of Staff handles the personal dealings with the President while the SGF handles executive correspondence.
