The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate false reports circulating about the health of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday during plenary following a point of order raised by Senator Titus Zam, who drew attention to what he described as fake media reports alleging that Akpabio suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London.
Zam condemned the reports as unacceptable, urging that those responsible be identified and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent against the spread of misinformation, particularly concerning top public officials.
Responding while presiding over the session, Akpabio lamented the growing difficulty in regulating media and social media content, especially reports targeting political office holders.
He described some online publications as “garbage in, garbage out,” stressing the challenge of curbing false narratives.
The Senate thereafter resolved that the NSA should probe the origin and motive behind the reports and take appropriate action.
The directive follows recent online rumours alleging that Akpabio collapsed and was hospitalised, claims his aides have firmly dismissed as fake news.
