21st March, 2020
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, was subjected to criticism on Saturday for inviting Nigerians to an event amid the Coronavirus outbreak and ban on large gatherings.
The presidential aide posted about the programme with an image of the invitation.
He tweeted: “Please find time to join us at the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA), 2020 Annual Leadership Lecture, where I will be speaking on “Media and Democracy: Challenge of Journalism”.
“His Excellency, Governor Nasir @elrufai is expected to Chair the occasion, with the Ministers of Defence and FCT as special guests.”
Nigerians, however, stormed the thread to condemn Garba Shehu.
They accused him of asking people to attend a mass gathering while the country scrambles to manage a deadly disease that requires social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
Alowonle Olowomojara said: “Nigeria is not just ready! When govt is restricting religious gathering, officials are organizing lectures. If religious leaders refuse to obey the govt orders, you will be castigating them, not knowing that govt officials are not leading by examples.
chroniclesbylee replied: “What is the sole importance of this lecture in these times? How is it key to National security and the wellbeing of the Nigerian people? Jokers.”
Kayode Ogundamisi said: “The event should be cancelled. Considering National efforts to combat #CoronaVirusNigeria, it is unhealthy and dangerous for anyone to attend such gathering.”
Adesoji Adelore said Shehu was sending “a very poor signal by still having huge gathering in spite of the possibility of spreading the virus. Please cancel this meeting, if Jumat and Church services can be canceled what is this about”.
Olufunke Lawson: “Uncle Garba, pls why are we closing downs schools and churches and all if we would still end up fixing up some “Annual Leadership Lecture”? This is part of social distancing?”