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By Editor
December 16, 2025
The Senate has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate recent death rumors circulated on social media regarding its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.).
The Senate condemned these individuals as โpromoters of fake informationโ and called for an investigation that would lead to the prosecution and punishment of the culprits. Reports on various social media platforms claimed that Akpabio had collapsed and was hospitalized in London, with some falsely stating he had died.
Commentators anticipated the Senate’s session on Tuesday to confirm Akpabio’s attendance, and he appeared in person to preside over the meeting in Abuja.
Senator Titus Zam, Chairman of the Senate Committee on North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), highlighted the need to address the increasing trend of circulating fake news. โThe promoters of fake information can be traced and punished,โ he stated.
Akpabio responded, emphasizing that the issue does not warrant debate but rather requires security agencies, especially the DSS, to investigate. He noted that such false reports also affect non-politicians, mentioning that even a businessman was rumored to have died.
โItโs difficult to stop people from writing whatever they wish, but investigating those behind the act is crucial,โ he concluded.
In another development, the Senate confirmed three non-career ambassadorial nominees: Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are (Ogun State), Aminu Muhammad Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke (Oyo). This confirmation followed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs’ report, which indicated that the nominees possessed the necessary qualifications, experience, and understanding of international diplomacy.
These three nominees are part of a larger list, with 65 more ambassadorial nominees awaiting Senate confirmation.
