The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate widespread rumours circulating on social media alleging that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, collapsed and, in some versions, had died.
Raising the matter on the floor of the Red Chamber, lawmakers described the reports as false, malicious, and capable of undermining national stability. They expressed concern over the speed with which the unverified claims spread across digital platforms, triggering public anxiety and unnecessary speculation about the health of the nation’s third-highest-ranking official.
The Senate noted that such rumours, when left unchecked, pose a serious threat to national security and public order, particularly in an era where misinformation can go viral within minutes. Lawmakers therefore called on the NSA and the DSS to trace the origin of the reports, identify those responsible for their dissemination, and take appropriate action in line with the law.
Several senators also used the opportunity to caution social media users against the reckless spread of unverified information, stressing that freedom of expression does not extend to deliberate falsehoods capable of causing panic or damaging reputations. They urged Nigerians to rely on credible and official sources for information, especially on sensitive issues concerning top public officials.
The Senate leadership reaffirmed that Senator Akpabio was hale and hearty and actively carrying out his official duties, dismissing the rumours as a calculated attempt to distract the legislature and mislead the public.
This development comes amid growing concern by authorities over the rise of fake news, disinformation campaigns, and coordinated online attacks targeting public institutions and political leaders. The Senate reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies to safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions and maintain public confidence in governance.