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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Department of State Services (DSS) have been urged to investigate the source and intent of viral social media reports alleging that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, collapsed and died.
This demand was made by the Senate yesterday at plenary, after adopting the resolution of a motion moved by Titus Zam on Order 42 of the Senate’s Standing Orders.
Zam drew the attention of the chamber to the circulation of the reports over the last 48 hours, particularly claiming that Akpabio suffered a health emergency and was flown to a hospital in London.
He described the reports as false, reckless and dangerous, stressing that the Senate President, as Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such malicious speculation. “These reports alleged that the Senate President collapsed and even died in a London hospital. This is unacceptable. It is fake news and a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.”
He urged security agencies to move beyond denials and identify those behind the rumours, insisting that prosecution was necessary to deter the growing abuse of social media platforms. “This is a very serious matter. Those responsible must be tracked and punished according to the law to serve as a deterrent.”
Zam also warned that the trend was becoming recurrent, recalling similar false reports recently circulated about former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Akpabio acknowledged the challenges posed by the unregulated nature of social media, noting that individuals often publish unverified and irresponsible content without consequence.
“Unfortunately, in the age of social media, people can put out anything; garbage in, garbage out,” the Senate President said.
He, however, sought the consent of the chamber to formally refer the matter to security agencies for investigation.
“Is it the wish of the Senate that this matter be referred to the National Security Adviser and the DSS for investigation?” Akpabio asked.
The motion was put to a voice vote and unanimously adopted, mandating the NSA and the DSS to investigate the origin, motivation and possible security implications of the false reports surrounding the alleged collapse of the Senate President.
