Abuja – The Senate has passed a resolution directing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate a spate of social‑media rumours claiming that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had collapsed and, in some versions, died. The motion was moved under Order 42 by Senator Titus Zam, who raised a point of order over the alarming and unacceptable reports that had circulated within the last 48 hours.
Senator Zam said the Senate President, as the nation’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misinformation. “These rumours are alarming and unacceptable,” he said.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the difficulty of controlling social media narratives, saying, “People cannot be prevented from writing what I call ‘garbage in, garbage out’.” He asked whether it was the wish of the Senate to refer the matter to the National Security Adviser for investigation.
The proposal was put to a voice vote and adopted, with the chamber resolving that the NSA investigate the source and intent of the rumours surrounding the alleged collapse of the Senate President.
The Senate’s directive comes amid a growing concern over the spread of false information on digital platforms, and underscores the institution’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of its leadership. The National Security Adviser is expected to report his findings to the Senate in due course.
