adminreporter
The Senate on Tuesday deferred debate on the controversy surrounding allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, even as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio not to be afraid to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments.
Trump had recently declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and accused the Federal Government of allowing the killing of Christians. His statement was followed by a post on X from U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said his department was “preparing for action.”
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected Trump’s remarks, insisting that Nigeria remains a democracy founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.
The matter came up briefly towards the close of Tuesday’s plenary when Senate President Akpabio noted that Nigerians were eager to hear the Senate’s position on the matter. However, he said the upper chamber would not take a formal stance until it had been properly briefed on the government’s response.
“Nigerians want us to take a position,” Akpabio said. “But we won’t take a position on that until we know what the government is doing about it.”
He further explained that while social media users had called on him to respond personally to Trump’s comments, the Senate could only deliberate on issues formally brought before it.
“Who am I to reply Trump?” Akpabio asked, saying the matter had not yet been tabled for discussion in the chamber. “This issue has not been discussed in the chambers here, but I know we shall discuss it.”
The Senate President then subjected the matter to a voice vote, and after the majority of lawmakers voted in favour of debating it later, he ruled that “the ayes have it.”
However, Akpabio’s remark—“Who am I to reply Trump?”—drew an immediate reaction from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who asserted that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and that the Senate President should not hesitate to speak on issues that affect national dignity.
“We are not afraid. Don’t be scared,” Barau interjected. “I am a Nigerian. I am a parliamentarian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation.”
Barau’s comments drew applause from several senators, underscoring a sentiment that Nigeria should not appear timid in the face of foreign criticism.
Akpabio, however, clarified that his statement was not out of fear but respect for procedure, noting that Trump’s remarks did not reflect the current realities in Nigeria. He maintained that the country remains united despite its challenges.
“All we need is peace,” Akpabio said, warning against taking Nigeria’s internal matters abroad in ways that portray Christians and Muslims as being at war.
He also cautioned against misinformation spread through social media and urged security agencies to monitor online platforms closely.
“This is necessary so that their breaking news doesn’t break Nigeria,” Akpabio added.
The Senate is expected to return to the matter once it receives a formal briefing from the executive arm of government
