The unconfirmed news about President Muhammadu Buhari’s death spread like wildfire on social media at the weekend. An online news portal reported on Sunday that Buhari died in London during his medical visit and the report caused a lot of controversies and mixed reactions on the Nigerian social media community. Buhari left Nigeria one week ago for medical attention in London. No image of him has been seen since then; he has also not been heard. Nigerians react as Presidency says Buhari is not dead.
But the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu has insisted that nothing unpleasant has happened to his principal. Shehu stated this on Sunday while reacting to speculations on social media that Buhari had died. He described the stories as “baseless rumour”, urging Nigerians to disregard them.
Shehu said: “Baseless rumors are trending again that an unpleasant thing has happened to our beloved president, Muhammadu Buhari. If you have received this information on WhatsApp or Facebook, disregard it because it is plain lies spread by vested interests to create panic. Nothing unpleasant has happened to the president. No cause for apprehension. Thanks for the many calls.
Nigerians react as Presidency says Buhari is not dead
Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, had earlier tweeted “only God’s counsel shall stand. Why do some people rage and imagine vain things? It is the counsel of God that shall stand. May God bless all those praying for PMB.”
Nigerians, however, did not feel good about his tweet as some reacted angrily. In their reactions, most of the responders to Adesina’s tweet said the secrecy surrounding Buhari’s health gave rise to rumors, asking him to leave God out of the situation.
Some some reactions on Twitter below…
Isah Gamba @ijgamba: “Souls of those defenceless protesters are crying, calling for vengeance, their families crying.Yes u can pray 4 PMB but what type of prayer?”
Patrick O Agoro @strongyard: “We wish our dear PMB well even though it’s strange to pray for a man whom u guys described as “Hale and Hearty. U guys shld STOP THE LIES.”
Chukwudike Victor @OlaDike: “He should resign abeg. Heaven helps those that help themselves.”
Asiwaju @Asiwaju__ : “I rather pray for the devil than praying for Buhari. … God forbid.”
Bolaji @bolsaid: “Is this a scripture you are quoting “heaven helps those who help demsefs” hian.”
See also It’s embarrassing to travel abroad for treatment all the time, Buhari must resign – Femi Kuti
Callmebigg @ita_duke: una carry de wahala of +180m Nigerians put ontop old man head, rather than disturbing God, why not simply remove the load?
T.O.O Ogunrinde @thegamepundit: “Sounding religious…What about those not praying for him?What should God do to them Mr Femi?”
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