I’m not HIV positive, Cossy Orjiakor declares on Twitter

Controversial actress, Cossy Orjiakor, on Monday told her over 35, 000 fans on Twitter that she is not HIV positive. She explained on the social service that due to the rumour making the rounds about her HIV status, she had to subject herself to  HIV test adding that her test result which had just been released indicated that she is not living with the virus.

 Rumour about Cossy’s HIV status has been spreading on some new media platforms for some weeks now. “I am not HIV positive; I don’t have AIDS because my test result just came out. For those carrying those rumour, go get yourselves tested. Hahaha,” she states via her handle, @cossydiva.

 Many of her fans commenting on various blogs and online fora asked her to go for thanksgiving in church as a mark of appreciation to God for being HIV negative.  However, some of her fans went on to challenge her, asking her to tweet her HIV test result to back up her claim.

 Someone who prefers anonymity on lindaikeji.blogspot.com, states, “So, Cossy is not HIV positive, hmmm, he reach to do thanksgiving.”

 Another one on the same blog, with the name King Boss argues, “Show us a copy of the test with the name of the hospital on the test, then we will believe your story, Cossy.”

 Corroborating Boss’ argument, another visitor to the blog, May says, “If she (Cossy) truly wants us to believe her, then she should show us the results. Talk is cheap.”

 Taking Cossy’s claims with a pinch of salt, another one, Cara Millano, notes that she doesn’t expect her to come out and state otherwise. She states, “Before nko, will she confirm and announce it? You don’t expect her to come and tweet ‘Yes, I’m HIV positive.’”

 However, she finds allies in some people on the social media who say there is nothing wrong with her declaring to the world that she is not carrying the deadly virus.

 An anonymous visitor on lindaikeji.blogspot.com explains that the fears expressed by her before going for the test might have necessitated the reason why she came out to declare her status.

“I wonder wetin concern  Amebo people, with her lab test. Why should she show the public the test result? Abi na una be her parents? Cossy, congrats to you jare. Besides, I’ve never seen anyone that is  going for HIV/AIDS test that doesn’t shiver till the result proves otherwise. Holier than thou people.”

 Meanwhile, Cossy’s declaration has prompted some Nigerians to canvass for voluntary HIV testing and counselling as well as counter the myths surrounding people living with HIV/AIDS.

 One Marcel Duplexis  on lindaikeji.blospot.com, says living with HIV/AIDS does not translate to death sentence and urges Nigerians not to embark on a campaign of stigmatisation towards people living with it.

 He states, “Good for her (Cossy)! But, having HIV is no longer a death sentence. That is why it is wise for people to know their HIV status.”

 Another visitor to the blog, Castic, uses the opportunity of Cossy’s announcement to advise Nigerians to refrain from having unprotected sex and congratulated Cossy on her status.

 “Please, young men and ladies, no manner of love should make you have unprotected sex. Say no, no, no to unprotected sex. Save yourself. Congrats Cossy!”

Another anonymous visitor to the blog states, “Please, HIV does not discriminate. Whether rich, poor, ugly, beautiful, decent, indecent, party girl, church girl, married, or single. I think Cossy should kindly tell the members of the public to go get tested.”