Senate President Akpabio Clarifies: I Didn’t Reply to Trump on Christian Genocide Claims

A heated debate unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Monday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio distanced himself from reports claiming he had responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Akpabio described the viral news as false, asserting that he never issued a statement and has petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify the source of the misinformation.

“I never replied to President Trump over allegations of Christian genocide. I’ve petitioned the police and the DSS to find the character behind the news,” Akpabio said.
“It’s the presidency that will answer President Trump. Who am I to answer President Trump?”

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, however, took a bolder stance, insisting that the Senate should defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Don’t be scared. I’m not scared of Trump. I can say my mind. I’m a parliamentarian and Deputy Senate President. I can speak. I’m not scared of Trump,” Barau declared.

Akpabio cautioned Barau against being misrepresented, advising him to ensure his statements were not twisted. Barau agreed that Akpabio had been wrongly accused but emphasized that the Senate should not shy away from addressing false international claims.

The session ended tensely, with Akpabio instructing the Senate Clerk to remove Barau’s comments from the official record. The exchange marked a rare public disagreement between Nigeria’s top lawmakers on how to handle international criticism, particularly from former U.S. President Trump.