The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and track the authors of false rumors claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has died.
This decision was made during a plenary session, where Senator Titus Zam, the Senator representing the North-west senatorial district of Benue condemned the spread of misinformation, describing it as “alarming and unacceptable”.
“I am raising this motion due to the social media reportage that alluded to the fact that Mr. Senate President died in a London hospital, This is a very serious matter; number three citizen in Nigeria; such reports about you, your person, and your office need to be investigated.
It’s not only you that was reported in this negative manner; the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, was equally reported a few days ago to have died.
This is not a good report about the leaders of our country, There is an urgent need to not just investigate, but to punish the promoters of such negative news about the leaders of this country”. Senator Zam said.
In response to him (Senator Titus Zam) Akpabio acknowledged the difficulty of controlling social media narratives but urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading false information.
