The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate widespread social media rumours alleging the collapse and death of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The resolution followed a point of order raised by Senator Titus Zam under Order 42 during plenary on Tuesday.
Senator Zam expressed concern over reports that circulated online within the last 48 hours, describing them as alarming and irresponsible.
He noted that the Senate President, as Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to unverified and destabilising misinformation.
Concerns Over Social Media Abuse
Raising the issue, Zam warned that unchecked rumours could undermine public confidence in state institutions and threaten national stability.
He urged the Senate to take the matter seriously and ensure that the source and intent of the reports were properly investigated.
Several senators nodded in agreement as the matter was discussed on the floor of the chamber.
Akpabio Reacts To Allegations
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the growing challenge of regulating narratives on social media platforms.
“You cannot stop people from writing what I call garbage in, garbage out,” Akpabio said.
He, however, asked the chamber whether it was the collective wish of senators to refer the issue to the National Security Adviser.
Resolution Adopted By Voice Vote
The proposal was subsequently put to a voice vote and unanimously adopted by the Senate.
Lawmakers resolved that the National Security Adviser should investigate the origin, motive and sponsors of the rumours surrounding the alleged collapse of the Senate President.
The Senate emphasised that deliberate spread of false information about senior public officials poses security and governance risks.