Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has come out trembling, dismissing as “reckless and fabricated” a viral report claiming he insulted U.S. President Donald Trump over the American leader’s threat to invade Nigeria.
The alleged quote, circulated by an online platform, had Akpabio supposedly telling Trump to “focus on America’s problems” instead of meddling in Nigeria; but his office says it’s a complete lie.
Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, said his principal never made such a statement — publicly or privately — and dared the source to show proof.
Eyiboh, in a strongly worded statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and completely fabricated post published by a platform, falsely attributing a reckless and imaginary statement to the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.
“The post — which reads, ‘The killing is taking place in Nigeria not in USA, Trump should focus on US. Nigerians are not complaining about the killings, we are fully satisfied with the condition of Nigeria’ — is a total falsehood, a product of mischief, and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Godswill Akpabio and U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senate President never made such a statement — not publicly, privately, in writing, or in conversation. We challenge the publishers of this falsehood to produce a single shred of evidence to the contrary.
“The accompanying photograph, which shows the Senate President at an official event alongside other Senators, has been deceptively used to lend false credibility to a fabricated quote that was never uttered by him.
“Senator Akpabio is a statesman of global repute and a respected advocate of international friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect among nations.
“He holds President Donald Trump in high regard as a historic figure and a leader of a great nation. He would never comment on internal matters of the United States, nor issue any statement that falls within the exclusive domain of Nigeria’s Executive arm of government or the nation’s foreign policy establishment.
“This malicious post is, therefore, a clear act of digital recklessness and a deliberate attempt to sow confusion, tarnish reputations, and inflame unnecessary diplomatic sentiments.
“We urge the public to ignore this falsehood in its entirety.
“The Office of the President of the Senate remains committed to transparency, truth, and responsible communication — both in Nigeria and on the international stage,” he added.
Akpabio’s denial comes amid diplomatic heat following Trump’s shocking declaration that the U.S. could launch “air strikes or boots on the ground” in Nigeria to protect Christians, a threat that has rattled political circles across Africa and beyond.
