The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday cautioned Nigerians against the misuse of social media platforms, warning that false publications have the potential to cause division and threaten national unity.
Speaking during plenary, Akpabio expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation by online bloggers, saying such actions could destabilize the country if left unchecked. He revealed that his lawyers had been directed to petition a blogger who allegedly published false statements attributed to him regarding comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Akpabio, “We must warn those on social media who continue to misquote and misrepresent people or even ascribe quotes to people that never occurred. That is the reason why I have directed my lawyers to petition that blogger so that they can come and tell us when the Senate President made any additional response.”
The Senate President clarified that Trump’s position on Nigeria was based on outdated reports from 2010, stressing that the country’s current realities have changed significantly.
He emphasized that Nigeria remains a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation where Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully.
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Akpabio also noted that the Senate would deliberate on the issue at a later date, in consultation with the executive arm, as it touches on foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
He concluded by urging social media users to exercise responsibility, integrity, and patriotism, stating that “breaking news should not be allowed to break Nigeria.”
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