BY LEVI JOHNSON
The presidency has criticized our national newspapers for using coronavirus as major headlines on Sunday, adding that death through malaria is more deadly than the virus.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, bore his mind through his twitter handle and Facebook on Sunday.
He said: “This morning’s newspapers, all of them have Coronavirus as the lead, cover story. When will they bring the spotlight to bear on 822 who are killed by malaria every day in Nigeria?”
But the above statement did not sit well with a lot of social media users as Shehu got the worst reply of his life on Sunday.
Bring Back Our Girls co-convener, Aisha Yesufu said Shehu’s tweet was evidence that Buhari’s government was incompetent in the area of health.
“When the incompetent, clueless, corrupt, inept and failure #ICCIF Major General Buhari @MBuhari that you work for decides to prioritise health sector the way he prioritises his healthcare in the United Kingdom,” she replied
Aide to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, asked Shehu to stop creating the wrong narrative.
He said: “Please stop this attitude of us (presidency) versus everyone. Stop looking for imaginary enemies. ”If you are not attacking those you call opposition or wailers, you are attacking media houses. For once, preach unity to face #coronavirusnigeria then go back your politicking once defeated.”
Also, @IbangaImmanuel tweeted, “I love this…..Papers are tired of reporting your principal’s failure as lead story. What pains most is the numerous fools liking his self indicting comment. What’s more important is it reporting malaria scourge or ending it? Who’s responsible to end malaria scourge? Media or government?”
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Moreover, @jumupwell tweeted, “Just to add, sir, that Cuba, Sri Lanka, Paraguay, Armenia, Morocco, Turkmenistan, UAE have been declared malaria-free. When will Nigeria mark five years without a single case of malaria? Help us ask Buhari. Thanks.”
Deji Babalola on his part asked Shehu to advise Buhari to address the country on the dangers of coronavirus like United States President, Donald Trump had done.