Senate orders NSA, DSS to track sources of Akpabio death rumours

The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to urgently investigate rumours circulating on social media about the collapse and, in some cases, the death of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The upper chamber also asked the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to work with the NSA to uncover the people responsible for spreading the false reports.

The resolution followed a point of order raised by Senator Titus Zam of Benue North West under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders.

Zam expressed concern over the rumours, which had been circulating online for more than 48 hours, and described them as dangerous and unacceptable.

He said that the Senate President, as Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misinformation.

Zam condemned claims that Akpabio suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London. He called the reports fake, irresponsible, and misleading.

Zam urged security agencies to identify those behind the false claims and ensure they face legal consequences.

He also noted that similar rumours had recently targeted former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, highlighting a growing trend of misinformation aimed at national leaders.

Responding to the motion, Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the challenges of controlling social media narratives. He said people cannot be prevented from publishing what he described as “garbage in, garbage out.”

He asked the Senate members whether the matter should be formally referred to the NSA and DSS for investigation.

The proposal was put to a voice vote and unanimously adopted. The NSA and DSS are now mandated to investigate the source, intent, and spread of the rumours.