Senate directs NSA to probe death reports on Gowon, Akpabio

The Senate on Tuesday expressed concern over the rising spread of misinformation in the media and directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the source of recent fake reports circulating in the country.

The Senate also asked the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to work in synergy with the NSA to investigate the matter.

The resolution followed a point of order raised under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended) by Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West), who expressed concern over the reports that had circulated over the past 48 hours.

Senator Zam drew the Senate’s attention to rumours claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had been flown abroad for medical treatment and had allegedly died.

He noted that similar false reports had surfaced alleging the death of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

Senator Zam described the reports as “unacceptable and dangerous,” warning that such misinformation could threaten national stability.

He urged security agencies to identify and sanction those behind the fake news to serve as a deterrent.

“This is a very serious matter. Reports alleging that the Senate President is dead in a London hospital are unacceptable. Such misinformation about the leaders of this country must be investigated and those responsible punished,” Zam said.

In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, lamented the growing difficulty of regulating information in the digital space.

He described much of the content circulating online as “garbage in, garbage out,” stressing the challenge of curbing false narratives.

“Is it the view of the Senate that this matter be referred to the National Security Adviser and the DSS to investigate?” Akpabio asked.

The proposal was subsequently put to a voice vote and unanimously adopted, mandating the NSA and DSS to investigate the source and intent of the rumours.

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