Akpabio Denies DSS Invasion, Dismisses Alleged Senate Impeachment Plo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted claims that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the National Assembly in response to alleged impeachment efforts by lawmakers in the Senate.
Addressing Senators during plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio said he had become aware of the reports, which he labeled as false. He condemned the spread of misinformation, expressing concern that fake news is increasingly dominating the media landscape.
“This is complete fake news. There has been no discussion of impeachment or any related issues within the National Assembly,” Akpabio said. “Online publications seem capable of generating any narrative, and it’s likely this false story has already gained significant traction.”
Akpabio further noted the role of artificial intelligence in spreading misinformation, stating, “It appears an AI-generated headline has fueled this baseless claim for clicks and traffic.”
The Senate President has since referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Special Duties, directing them to investigate the origin of the false reports and present their findings to the Senate within 24 hours.
Further updates indicate that the Committee has already begun gathering evidence and interviewing key figures to clarify the origins of the false reports. Sources within the Senate suggest the investigation is aimed at not only debunking the rumors but also understanding the broader implications of such misinformation on governance and legislative integrity.
Lawmakers have voiced concerns over the increasing use of fake news to destabilize political institutions, with some urging for stricter regulations on online publications. The outcome of the investigation is expected to be a pivotal moment in addressing the issue.
As the Senate awaits the results of the committee’s investigation, there are indications that the chamber may pursue legal actions against the platforms responsible for the dissemination of the false report. Additionally, lawmakers are considering the introduction of new legislation that will impose stiffer penalties on individuals and organizations found guilty of spreading disinformation, particularly those related to sensitive political matters.
Senate insiders have hinted that a formal communiqué may be issued once the investigation concludes, possibly outlining steps the legislative body intends to take to safeguard the integrity of its operations moving forward.
The Senate has reassured the public that despite the distractions, it remains focused on its legislative duties. “We must not allow such baseless reports to distract us from the business of governance. We are here to serve the people, and that remains our priority,” Akpabio said in closing.
The report from the Senate Committee on Special Duties is expected to be presented to the Senate Committee of the Whole by Thursday. Public attention now turns to the findings and recommendations that may emerge from this investigation, which could set a precedent in handling future cases of fake news in Nigeria.
