The Senate has announced plans to debate recent declaration of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by President Donald Trump of the United States over allegation of Christian genocide.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio speaking at the plenary on Tuesday said he would await the Federal Government’s official response before making any comment on the issue.
Akpabio stated that he was not in a position to respond to President Trump, stressing that the matter involves sensitive diplomatic considerations.
“Who am I to respond to President Trump,” he asked.
According to the Senate President, he has already petitioned the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, and taken legal action against the blogger behind the what he called false report.
The Senate President also called for caution in public discourse, urging Nigerians and the media to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory narratives that could jeopardize national unity.
He, however, assured lawmakers that the Senate would formally discuss the development at a later legislative date.
The Senate President also called on the Cybercrime Unit to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading fake news about the Senate and its leadership.
Akpabio further noted that Nigeria’s internal challenges must be viewed from all perspectives, underscoring the need for peace and unity in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s problems must be weighed from all sides. What we need is peace,” he stated.
Meanwhile the Deputy senate President, Barau Jibrin, retorted by asking the Senate President if he is afraid of Trump.
Jibrin reminded that Nigeria is a sovereign country and that he is not afraid of Trump.
