The Senate has called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to urgently carry out a thorough investigation into widespread social media rumours claiming the collapse or, in some cases, the death of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In the same vein, the upper chamber urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to collaborate closely with the NSA in probing the matter.
The resolution followed a point of order raised under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended) by Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West), who expressed concern over reports that had emerged within the past 48 hours.
Senator Zam described the circulating rumours as alarming and unacceptable, emphasizing that the Senate President, Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misinformation.
He condemned claims on certain media platforms alleging that Senator Akpabio had suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a London hospital, calling the reports “fake, irresponsible and capable of misleading the public.”
He further urged security agencies to identify those behind the false claims and ensure they face prosecution under the law to deter future incidents.
“This is a very serious matter. Reports alleging that the Senate President is dead in a London hospital are unacceptable. Such misinformation about the leaders of this country must be investigated and those responsible punished,” Zam stated.
He also highlighted that similar false narratives had recently targeted former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, pointing to a rising trend of misinformation aimed at national leaders.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the challenges in controlling social media narratives, noting that individuals cannot be stopped from spreading what he described as “garbage in, garbage out.”
However, he asked the chamber whether it wished to refer the matter to the NSA and DSS for investigation.
“Is it the view of the Senate that this matter be referred to the National Security Adviser and the DSS to investigate?” Akpabio inquired.
The proposal was subsequently put to a voice vote and unanimously approved, mandating the NSA and DSS to trace the source and intent behind the rumours concerning the alleged collapse of the Senate President.
