Nigeria’s Senate has mandated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the authors and distributors of online claims alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio suffered a medical emergency abroad.
The directive followed a heated debate during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers decried what they described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation targeting the country’s number three citizen.
Raising a point of order, Senator Titus Zam warned that unchecked falsehoods pose a serious risk to public trust and national stability.
He argued that fabrications about the health of senior officials could spark unnecessary anxiety and political tension.
According to Zam, security agencies must move beyond rebuttals and ensure accountability.
“This kind of rumor is reckless and dangerous. Those behind it should be traced and made to face the law to serve as a deterrent,” he said.
Consequently, the Senate resolved to formally task the NSA with probing the origin of the reports and recommending appropriate action against those found culpable.
While presiding over the session, Akpabio expressed concern over the rapid spread of unverified information across digital platforms.
He noted that regulating online content has become increasingly difficult as misinformation often travels faster than facts.
“Today, false narratives are produced and amplified with ease. Once inaccurate content enters the media space, correcting it becomes an uphill task,” Akpabio said, urging Nigerians to verify information before sharing.
Moreover, the Senate President cautioned that deliberate false reporting undermines democratic institutions and erodes confidence in governance.
The Senate’s intervention comes amid viral social media posts claiming Akpabio collapsed and was rushed to a London hospital.
However, aides to the Senate President have consistently dismissed the reports, insisting he remains in good health.
Hence, lawmakers insist that a thorough security-led investigation is necessary to curb the rising tide of digital disinformation and protect public officials from malicious falsehoods.
Furthermore, the Senate reiterated its commitment to safeguarding responsible journalism while drawing a clear line between free expression and the spread of harmful, fabricated content.