
Akpabio Fires Back: “No Senator Was Rubbished” in Senate Session
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently denied viral social media claims that Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) was publicly humiliated during plenary for allegedly failing to define “harmonised,” calling the reports “misleading and untrue.” In a Friday statement, Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to respect and procedural integrity.
What Actually Happened in Plenary
Akpabio clarified the sequence:
- Musa’s Recognition: Called to speak on legislative business.
- Procedural Interruption: Senator Abdul Ningi raised a point of order requiring immediate ruling per Senate rules.
- Orderly Transition: Plenary continued seamlessly without targeting Musa.
“At no point was Senator Musa ridiculed or embarrassed. Senate decorum remains inviolable.”
― Akpabio’s official statement
Musa’s Credentials: Tax Reform Architect
The Senate President spotlighted Musa’s critical contributions:
- Joint Finance Committee Chair: Key architect of fiscal policies.
- Tax Reform Triumph: Led the Conference Committee that harmonized landmark tax bills praised by stakeholders.
- Track Record: “Senator Musa’s expertise is unquestioned,” Akpabio emphasized.
Media Accountability Call
Akpabio issued a sharp rebuke to sensationalist reporting:
- Fake News Alert: Urged outlets to verify claims before publishing “clickbait fabrications.”
- Journalism Standards: “Responsible reporting must prioritize accuracy over sensationalism when covering NASS.”
- Broader Impact: Misinformation “undermines public trust in democratic institutions.”
Context: Why the Denial Matters
- Senate Unity: Amid partisan tensions, Akpabio’s defense reinforces cross-party respect.
- Precedent Setting: Third recent instance of NASS leadership refuting social media falsehoods.
- Musa’s Silence: Senator yet to comment; allies call claims “orchestrated to diminish his tax reform legacy.”
Stakeholder Reactions:
- Senate Spokesman: “Plenary records prove zero misconduct. This was non-news.”
- Media Advocates: Acknowledge ethics lapse but warn against “generalizing all criticism as fake news.”
Why This Matters:
False narratives about legislative proceedings erode institutional credibility. Akpabio’s swift correction underscores the Senate’s zero-tolerance for character assassination.
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