The Senate on Tuesday directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate the source and intent of widespread rumours on social media alleging that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had collapsed or died.
The resolution followed a point of order raised under Order 42 by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West Senatorial District, who expressed deep concern over the reports which had circulated widely within the last 48 hours.
Raising the matter on the floor of the Senate, Senator Zam described the rumours as alarming, irresponsible and unacceptable, stressing that the Senate President, as the nation’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misinformation.
“The Senate is concerned. I think it’s important for us to talk about the Senate President, because of the promotion of negative news about the Senate President,” Zam said, referring to media and social media reports alleging collapse and death.
Describing the situation as a serious threat to leadership and democratic stability, the lawmaker called for decisive action against those behind the reports.“This is a very serious matter. The promotion of negative news about our leaders, whether in government or otherwise, and the only thing for us, Mr President, is to investigate and also punish the promoters of such negative news about the leaders of this country,” he said.
He added: “We are searching for justice against the promoters of such negative news about the leaders. It is our responsibility to do justice, to investigate, punish and bring those in contest of such negative news about our leaders.
“We are searching for justice against the promoters of such negative news about leaders. It is our responsibility to see to it that anybody who engages in such a dangerous act against our leadership… and the Senate President’s office and our democracy and our government.”
Urging his colleagues to support the motion, Zam said: “So, I want to clearly urge my colleagues to support that this matter be looked into seriously, with a view to searching out those who are behind this. The social media promoters of negative information, terrorists and devil worshippers, and so-called activists. Thank you very much.”
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the issue was raised on a point of order and had not undergone exhaustive debate, but acknowledged the damaging impact of unchecked social media narratives.
“Thank you, Senator. The matter came on a point of order, which has not had any exhaustive deliberation,” Akpabio said.He added: “So, I will say that your point of order is sustained. However, you have to know that the only politicians that they make this report about… Somebody was telling me that he showed a picture of me dead, a minute of silence for me!”
The Senate President further observed the difficulty of controlling social media content, describing it as a case of “garbage in, garbage out,” but asked the chamber whether it was its wish that the matter be formally referred to the National Security Adviser.
“Is it the view of the Senate that this matter be referred to the National Security Adviser to deal seriously with these mischief makers?” he asked.
The proposal was subsequently put to a voice vote.
“Those in support say ‘Aye!’” Akpabio called, to which the chamber responded with a chorus of “Aye.”
“Those against say ‘Nay!’” he added.With the majority in favour, the Senate President ruled: “The Ayes have it. We’ll send the communication to the National Security Adviser.”
The Senate therefore resolved that the NSA should investigate the origin, motive and promoters of the rumours surrounding the alleged collapse and death of the Senate President, with a view to taking appropriate action.
The sun
