By Lagos Panorama Political Desk
There was mild drama at the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Jibrin Barau, disagreed openly over how the upper chamber should respond to controversial remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria.
Trump had recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, accusing the Federal Government of failing to protect Christians. His comments were followed by a post from U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who claimed that his department was “preparing for action” — a statement that has stirred unease across the country.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio told lawmakers that while Nigerians were calling on the Senate to react, the Red Chamber would not rush to take a position until the Federal Government formally briefed it on the matter.
“Nigerians want us to take a position. But we won’t take a position on that until we know what the government is doing about it,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President, who noted that social media users had tagged him in multiple posts urging a response, quipped:
“Who am I to reply Trump?”
Akpabio explained that the Senate could only deliberate on issues officially presented before it, assuring that the matter would be properly discussed in due course. He subsequently put the question to a voice vote, with the majority supporting that the issue be slated for future debate.
However, his remark — “Who am I to reply Trump?” — drew an immediate and firm reaction from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North).
“We are not afraid. Don’t be scared,” Barau retorted. “I am a Nigerian. I am a parliamentarian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation.”
While reaffirming that Nigeria remains sovereign and independent, Barau urged the Senate not to appear timid in the face of external criticism.
Akpabio, however, maintained his position, stressing that Trump’s statement did not reflect Nigeria’s current reality.
“Nigeria remains united despite its challenges. All we need is peace,” he said, warning against taking domestic issues abroad in ways that portray the country as divided along religious lines.
He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation on social media, urging security agencies to monitor online platforms closely.
“This is necessary so that their breaking news doesn’t break Nigeria,” Akpabio added.
The brief but heated exchange between the two presiding officers highlighted growing concerns within the National Assembly over foreign interference and the spread of politically motivated narratives about Nigeria’s security and religious harmony.
— Lagos Panorama
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