Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and prosecute those behind a fake report falsely attributed to him, in which he was quoted as attacking United States President Donald Trump.

Akpabio condemned the circulation of the fabricated statement, describing it as a deliberate attempt to cause diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the U.S.

“Somebody will sit in the comfort of his room and produce a report, even fake pictures of 2023 when the Senate President with Senators visited Port Harcourt for a different event, and claim that I responded to President Trump. Who am I to answer President Trump?” he said.

He clarified that it was not the duty of the Senate President to issue official statements to foreign leaders, stressing that the purported comments were concocted to create confusion and damage Nigeria’s image.
“This time, the Senate President of Nigeria did not answer President Trump. The quotation was concocted to cause a diplomatic row. It is the Presidency that can respond officially to such matters,” Akpabio explained.

The Senate President urged security agencies particularly the Cybercrimes Unit of the Police and the DSS to investigate and track down those responsible for the false publication, warning that such misinformation could strain international relations and tarnish the Senate’s reputation.
“I believe the Cybercrimes Unit of the Police, the DSS and others should find that character out, because it is meant to cause friction and put the Nigerian Senate in disrepute,” he added.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported Akpabio’s position, condemning the false report as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty and the integrity of its legislature.
“You didn’t say it, that’s correct. You shouldn’t be scared of saying it. I’m not scared of Trump. We are a sovereign nation. Nigerians must not be afraid to speak their minds,” Barau stated.

Akpabio further clarified that the Senate had not yet discussed President Trump’s recent comments about Nigeria during plenary, emphasising that he could only speak officially on the matter if it was brought before the chamber.
“We have not discussed the comment of President Trump in chambers yet. When the Senate deliberates on it officially, only then can I speak,” he said.

He appealed to Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online, warning that the spread of fake news could endanger diplomatic relations and mislead the public.