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Akpabio says viral quote linking him to Trump controversy is fake
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Describes publication as malicious and aimed at causing diplomatic tension
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Barau Jibrin says he’s not scared of Trump, insists Nigeria is sovereign
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied making any public comments in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s alleged threat of military intervention in Nigeria.
The Senate President described the viral statement attributed to him as false, malicious, and an attempt to create tension between Nigeria and the United States.
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The fake report, which circulated online on Monday, had quoted Akpabio as saying that Nigerians were not complaining about killings in the country and that Trump should “focus on the U.S.”
Reacting through his media aide, Mr. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said he never made such a statement, either publicly or privately.
“The post is a total falsehood and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Akpabio and President Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners,” Eyiboh said.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio again addressed the report, describing it as a deliberate fabrication meant to discredit the National Assembly.
“Who am I to answer President Trump? Somebody said the Senate President claimed Nigerians are not complaining — that is false. I have petitioned the police and the DSS. The story was fabricated to create a diplomatic row,” Akpabio stated.
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He also accused the publishers of using old pictures from unrelated events to support the fake report.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, interjected during the session, declaring that he was not afraid of Trump and could express his opinion freely.
“I’m not scared of Trump. I will say my mind. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and I’m a parliamentarian. We can speak without fear,” Barau said.
The controversy comes amid heightened diplomatic unease following Trump’s recent remarks accusing Nigeria of religious persecution.
