Coronavirus: Nigerians slam Garba Shehu for inviting them to his lecture amid calls for social distancing

Bayo Wahab 09:22 - 21 March 2020

Garba-Shehu says Transparency International report about corruption in Nigeria is not based on fact. (TheCable)

Garba Shehu wants Nigerians to join him at an event where he will be speaking on “Media and Democracy: Challenge of Journalism”.

Despite the calls for social distancing to reduce the spread of Coronavirus nationwide, Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity wants Nigerians to attend a social gathering.

Since Nigeria recorded the 12th case of Coronavirus on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, both Federal and State Governments have shut down schools and also advised Nigerians to observe social distancing to reduce the spread of the disease in the country.

But barely two days after the Federal Government shut down schools and discouraged social gatherings, Garba shared an invite on Twitter asking Nigerians to join him at an event where he will be speaking on “Media and Democracy: Challenge of Journalism”.

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”. pic.twitter.com/o3OJ4s7GG2
— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) March 21, 2020

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”.

In their reactions to the invite, many Nigerians tackled Garba, saying he'll be sending a wrong signal by organising huge gathering at a time social distancing is encouraged.

Read some of the reactions below.

Garus Garus, stay in your house because no one is coming for the meeting, not Nasir not Musa. Can you hear me? https://t.co/anridyGwzu
— RODNEY (@adzuanaga) March 21, 2020

You will be 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 #CoronavirusPandemic
— Adesoji Adelore (@es_adelore) March 21, 2020

Nigeria are not just ready! When govt are 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.
— TruthWillPrevail (@SeerVoice) March 21, 2020

How would we be able to fight this scourge & prevent the spread when people in government don't even think there is a problem?
— Wuraola (@Septemba18) March 21, 2020

These president handlers seems not be be in this country. I thought we are closing schools and public gathering in order to contain spread of Covid-19. Yet a presidential aide is announcing old boys whatever. #Shame
— IDRIS AZEEZ (@id_azeez) March 21, 2020

This tweet should have been deleted before you typed it sir, another opportunity has presented itself, kindly delete now sir. You're doing no good with this tweet
— kennygee babe (@kennygee_70) March 21, 2020