By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Aso Rock has advised Nigerians to ignore agents of fake news spreading false stories, describing as “falsehood and disgraceful lies” the report of the death of Sarki Abba, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Presidency described as “sheer fabrication” and an attempt to “mislead the public” the online report that Abba had died from coronavirus infection.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Presidential Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, said the Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, has directed that all staff working for and around Buhari be routinely tested for the virus, based on the directive of doctors.
Shehu insisted that Abba, Presidential Assistant on Social Affairs and Domestic Matters, always tests negative.
He urged the public to ignore stories intended to mislead the people and create anxiety about the safety of the president.
“Don’t let yourself to be manipulated by any medium that thrives on yellow journalism and specialises in peddling fake news in the desperate quest for the market and donor money,” he said.