Buhari’s aide promotes public gathering — amid coronavirus outbreak

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, has announced a public lecture amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Shehu posted an invitation to the lecture on his Twitter handle on Saturday.

Nigeria currently has 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus. But two patients have recovered from the disease.

Since the outbreak of the disease, different measures have been put in place to combat the spread of the virus.

The federal government banned public officials from travelling to high-risk countries. It also placed a travel restriction on 15 countries including the United Kingdom and the United States.

It also suspended the issuance of all visas on arrival and asked Nigerians to cancel or postpone all non-essential travels to these countries.

Several state governments have also announced the closure of schools while some placed a restriction on gatherings above 50 persons.

Churches and mosques have had to adjust their services in line with the restrictions. In all, Nigerians have been advised to practise social distancing.

“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,” Shehu tweeted.

“His excellency, Governor Nasir @elrufai is expected to Chair the occasion, with the Ministers of Defence and FCT as special guests.”

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

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— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) March 21, 2020

His Excellency, Governor Nasir @elrufai is expected to Chair the occasion, with the Ministers of Defence and FCT as special guests.

— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) March 21, 2020

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A number of Nigerians expressed their disappointment at the action of the presidential spokesman and called for the cancellation of the event.

Below is what some of them had to say:

I'm disappointed sir. At this time? Can't this event wait?

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— HoneyHillGlobalResources (@global_honey) March 21, 2020

Why has God decided to punish us with set after set of self-seeking leaders, insensitive, who careless about doing the right thing. Wow! I'm utterly shocked!

— Nathaniel Godwin 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@Naplaymaker) March 21, 2020

When they can have a conference call. 🤦🏽

— THE GRACE 🇫🇮 (@DopeDivva) March 21, 2020

You all are jokers walai. Old boys association? Are you kidding right now? In this times? What is @elrufai even doing in abuja today. Is that his constituency? Everyone is suspending their events & you have the nerve to publicize this on social media. This is a fundamental mess.

— DammyLee (@chroniclesbylee) March 21, 2020

What happened to suspension of gathering with more than 50 persons? Lead from the Frontline

— Sule, Y. J. (@Yakilintym) March 21, 2020

In this coronavirus time?

— John Ogunsemore (@SignorJohn) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/TolaIbidara/status/1241262088057769985?s=20

What happens to social distancing order by FG or are some people in govt above Corona virus ?

— chris chiemela eluwa (@chrischiO1) March 21, 2020

Mr Garba Shehu, Nigerians are anxiously waiting to see if the event will hold.

— Fresh (@freshodut) March 21, 2020

Can't you just postpone the event?

— Gentleman Seun (@Ibrahimseun20) March 21, 2020

His Excellency @elrufai wouldn't stop all activities in Kaduna because of COVID-19 only to come to Abuja and expose himself, he wont and shouldn't come, please postpone.

— Olatunde (@tundeku2) March 21, 2020

The Kaduna state govt has itself issued order banning social, educational and religious gathering through out the state. Going ahead with this occasion would only water down the effect and sincerity of purpose of the govt in containing the covid19 menace. Pls have a rethink.

— bkudu (@Bkudu2003Bkudu) March 21, 2020