The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate viral social media reports alleging that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, collapsed or died.

The resolution followed a point of order raised under Order 42 by Senator Titus Zam, who expressed concern over the rapid spread of the rumours within the last 48 hours, according to Channels Television.

Senator Zam described the reports as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that the Senate President, as Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misinformation.

“This is a very serious matter. The Senate President is the number three citizen of this country, and reports of this nature concerning his person and office must be thoroughly investigated,” Zam said.

He added that those responsible for circulating the false information should be identified and sanctioned in accordance with the law to deter similar actions in the future.

“When appropriate sanctions are imposed on those promoting such negative and dangerous reports, it will discourage others from engaging in acts capable of undermining our democracy,” he stated.

Responding, Akpabio acknowledged the challenges of regulating social media, noting that people often spread what he described as “garbage in, garbage out.” He, however, sought clarification on whether it was the Senate’s intention to formally refer the matter to the NSA.

Following deliberations, the motion was put to a voice vote and adopted. The Senate consequently resolved that the NSA should investigate the origin, intent, and motive behind the rumours surrounding the alleged collapse and death of the Senate President.

It will be recalled that similar speculations surfaced in August, claiming that Akpabio was hospitalised after a vacation in London. However, upon his return, the Senate President publicly dismissed the health-related rumours.