The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate widespread social media rumours claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, had died.
The resolution followed a motion raised during plenary by Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West) under Order 42 of the Senate Rules.
Moving the motion, Zam expressed concern over what he described as dangerous misinformation circulating online, including reports alleging that Akpabio collapsed and died in a London hospital. He noted that the claims were clearly false, as the Senate President was alive, well, and presiding over plenary.
The senator also decried a similar rumour concerning General Gowon, which spread on social media on the same day the former leader attended a Christmas carol service in Abuja.
Zam urged the Senate to order an investigation into the sources of the fake reports, stressing the need to identify and hold accountable those behind the misinformation.
Responding, Akpabio acknowledged the growing challenge of regulating content on social media, remarking that people often post what he termed “garbage in, garbage out.” He cited instances where funerals of prominent Nigerians were shared online while the individuals involved were still alive.
The Senate President subsequently upheld the motion and directed that the matter be referred to the office of the NSA for thorough investigation.
“Your Point of Order is sustained. I think all we can do is to refer it to the NSA for investigation,” Akpabio said.
