By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Immediately after the Katsina schoolboys were kidnapped on December 11, senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, had claimed that only ten boys were kidnapped.
Even after the Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said the number of the missing boys were 333 and still counting, Garba Shehu did not self correct himself nor render any apologies.
But 24hours after 344 schoolboys were released by their kidnappers, the presidential spokesman tenders an apology for giving false information to Nigerians and downplaying the incident.
He said: “I apologize for the incorrect communication citing that only 10 students were kidnapped at the science school, Kankara
“This communication of numbers was provided by persons that should ideally know. These numbers were seen to conflict with what was available at that time.
“Please understand that this communication was in no way done to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
“Please accept my sincere apologies on this matter as we continue to move our great Nation Nigeria forward. Thank you,” he said.
The apology by Garba Shehu hasn’t sat well with Nigerians.
On the social media where Garba Shehu tendered the apology, he received multiple knocks for coming too late.
@hauwa_farouk said:” When a thief is caught he will say; this is his first time. You wanted to do your usual propaganda but this one didn’t flow well. So you didn’t verify information before announcing? God will continue to disgrace all of you for your deception.”
@FNwapa also said: “We are use to the lies of this government. Malami also told us that the soldiers that shot at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll gate on the 20th October could be hoodlums dressed in camouflage. This government is synonymous to lies. #EndSARS.”
@von_Bismack simply said: “Okay, how much was paid to Boko Haram. Don’t lie this time.”