The Senate has directed the NSA to investigate viral Akpabio health rumours following reports of collapse and alleged death circulating online
The Nigerian Senate has mandated National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to probe viral social media reports alleging the collapse and, in some cases, death of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
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The resolution followed a point of order raised under Order 42 by Senator Titus Zam on Tuesday, Channels Television reports.
Senator Zam described the rumours, which circulated over the past 48 hours, as disturbing and unacceptable, emphasising that the nation’s number three citizen should not be subjected to such misinformation.
Reacting to the motion, Akpabio acknowledged the challenges of regulating social media narratives, noting that it is impossible to prevent people from posting what he termed “garbage in, garbage out.”
He, however, requested clarification on whether the Senate intended to refer the matter to the NSA for formal investigation.
The motion was subsequently adopted through a voice vote, with the Senate directing Ribadu to examine the origin and motives behind the false claims regarding the Senate President’s alleged collapse.
This is not the first time rumours about Akpabio’s health have circulated. In August, speculation arose that he was indisposed and hospitalised following a brief vacation in London.
The Senate President dispelled those claims upon his return, reaffirming his wellbeing.
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The move underscores the Senate’s concern over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media and its potential impact on public perception of government officials.
