A brief exchange unfolded in the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau expressed differing views on United States President Donald Trump’s threat of military action against terrorists in Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution.
Akpabio referenced a report from the social media platform RANT HQ which claimed he dismissed Trump’s stance and rejected Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern CPC. He clarified at the close of plenary that he never criticised the US President and only speaks on behalf of the Senate’s collective decisions.
The post attributed to him had stated: “The killing is taking place in Nigeria not in the USA, Trump should focus on US. Nigerians are not complaining about the killings, we are fully satisfied with the condition of Nigeria.” Akpabio denied ever making such remarks.
“Who am I to answer Trump” he said. Barau interjected, saying “I’m not scared of Trump. I will say my mind. I’m a Nigerian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation. I’m a parliamentarian.”
Barau continued: “I’m the Deputy Senate President, I can speak. I’m not scared of Trump. Don’t be scared of Trump. You can say your mind about Trump. We are a sovereign nation.”
Akpabio then instructed the Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo to remove Barau’s remarks from the official proceedings, stating that the comments did not reflect the Senate’s position.
The disagreement surfaced as Akpabio condemned the online post, calling it a “malicious and completely fabricated post.” He criticised those spreading false statements and images, noting that a 2023 photo from a Senate visit to Port Harcourt had been misused.
He said he has reported the false publication to security agencies, adding that the misuse of social media was intended to cause division and damage the Senate’s reputation.
“Social media should not break Nigeria” Akpabio said.
He added that the Senate will issue a formal response on the matter once the executive branch determines its official position.
