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The Presidency, on Wednesday, dismissed online reports alleging that security agents prevented senators from accessing their offices at the National Assembly complex.
It also denied reports that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was impeached, saying there was no discord in the red chamber.
The Presidency stand came as the Senate set motions in place to investigate the purported impeachment of Akpabio.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, the Presidency refuted the claims, labelling them as “baseless.”
It said, “The attention of this office has been drawn to online reports that security agents have been deployed to prevent senators from carrying out their legislative duties, specifically in relation to an alleged impeachment of the Senate President.
“I wish to categorically state that these reports are baseless and should be disregarded, as there is no discord within the rank and file of the senators. The legislative body remains united in its commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The Senate continues to function freely and without interference, and any security presence within the National Assembly complex is for the routine safety and protection of legislators and staff.”
Lado said President Bola Tinubu recognised the critical role of the Senate in driving legislative progress, adding, “His Excellency remains committed to ensuring that this collaboration is based on mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for peace, progress and prosperity of all Nigerians.”
During its plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio dismissed the rumours as fake news and asked the Senate committee to probe the development.
During its plenary on Wednesday, the red chamber referred the matter to its Committee on Special Duties, tasking the committee with investigating the origin of the false reports.
In a light-hearted tone, he said the Senate was conducting its business smoothly, unaware of the misleading stories being spread.
Akpabio said, “We are here sitting down and doing our work very peacefully, oblivious of the mischief that is going on behind us. Which committee do we refer you to? The fake news is hereby referred to the Committee on Special Duties.
“We are here, sitting peacefully, doing our work, oblivious to the mischief happening behind us.
“This kind of falsehood is part of what we face daily. They use AI to manipulate stories, probably to drive traffic and earn money from platforms like YouTube.”
Akpabio reassured Nigerians that the Senate remains stable and that the impeachment rumours bore no truth.
“I hope the public understands that this is fake news. The chamber is very stable, and the issue of impeachment doesn’t arise,” he said.
He then referred the fake news to the Committee on Special Duties for further investigation.
In response, the Senate Committee Chairman on Special Duties, Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central), said, “As the Senate President pleases; I will do the needful and report back, sir.”
Our correspondent also observed that there was no heavy security presence at the National Assembly, contrary to claims by some media platforms.
The PUNCH reports that this is not the first instance of fake news regarding Akpabio’s impeachment.
