A mild drama unfolded in the Senate on Tuesday as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin boldly declared that he was “not scared of Trump” during a plenary session addressing a fake report credited to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The viral report had falsely claimed Akpabio responded to threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The Senate President, however, swiftly distanced himself from the publication, describing it as “fake, malicious, and deliberately misleading.”
While addressing lawmakers, Akpabio said the report was fabricated using old photographs from 2023 to make it appear as though he had replied to Trump’s recent remarks.
“Somebody will sit in the comfort of his room, produce a report, and even fake pictures from 2023 when we visited Port Harcourt, and then say, ‘Senate President answers President Trump.’ Who am I to answer President Trump?” Akpabio said.
He clarified that the Senate would not make any official statement on Trump’s comments until the Federal Government takes a position, stressing that the issue involved sensitive diplomatic concerns.
“This time, the Senate President of Nigeria did not answer President Trump. That quotation was meant to cause a diplomatic row. It is the presidency that will respond officially,” he added.
Akpabio further revealed that he had petitioned both the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute those behind the fake publication.
“I have petitioned the police and the DSS. This fake news is aimed at causing friction and putting the Nigerian Senate in disrepute,” he said.
However, Akpabio’s rhetorical question — “Who am I to answer Trump?” — drew an immediate reaction from his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin of Kano North, who interjected confidently:
“I will say my mind. I’m a Nigerian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation. I’m a parliamentarian. I’m the Deputy Senate President. I can speak. I’m not scared of Trump.”
He continued, urging his colleagues not to fear voicing their opinions: “Don’t be scared of Trump. You can say your mind about Trump. We are a sovereign nation.”
Akpabio, attempting to calm the tension, replied, “Don’t allow people to ascribe what you did not say to you.”
But Barau stood his ground, responding, “You didn’t say it, that’s correct. But you shouldn’t be scared of saying it.”
The brief exchange sparked murmurs and laughter across the chamber before Akpabio moved to close the discussion. He cautioned both the media and the public against spreading unverified reports, warning that misinformation could inflame diplomatic tensions and threaten national unity.
Akpabio concluded by reaffirming that only the Presidency has the constitutional mandate to issue official responses to statements made by foreign leaders.
