The Senate is yet to take any position until we know the direction of the government. It is the Presidency that will respond to President Trump.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied ever responding to U.S. President, Donald Trump’s recent comments threatening possible military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, describing reports linking him to such remarks as fake and misleading.
Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio said the story, which circulated widely on social media, was fabricated by an online platform known as RANT HQ and had no basis in fact.
“Someone sat in the comfort of his room and concocted a story, even attaching old photos from 2023 when I visited Port Harcourt on a different assignment, to claim that I replied President Trump. Who am I to reply Trump?” Akpabio asked.
He explained that the Senate had not made any official statement on Trump’s remarks and would only do so after the Federal Government clarifies its position.
“The Senate is yet to take any position until we know the direction of the government. It is the Presidency that will respond to President Trump,” he said.
Akpabio disclosed that he had petitioned both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the origin of the fake report. He also directed his lawyers to take legal action against the publisher.
“I’ve petitioned the police and the DSS. The post was designed to cause friction and discredit the Senate. Social media should not be used to break Nigeria,” he said.
His comments, however, sparked a moment of mild drama when Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin stood up to express a different view.
“I’m not scared of Trump,” Barau declared. “I will speak my mind. I’m a Nigerian and a parliamentarian of a sovereign nation. Don’t be afraid of Trump. We are equals in sovereignty.”
The brief exchange underscored the chamber’s differing views on how Nigeria should respond to Trump’s statement, which has continued to generate heated debate at home and abroad.