Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has categorically denied reports of a plot to impeach him, describing the rumors as “total fake news”. Akpabio addressed the issue during Wednesday’s plenary session, suggesting that whoever spread the false information must have been well-paid due to the significant attention it received.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The rumors, which emerged online, alleged that Department of State Services (DSS) operatives stormed the National Assembly complex on Wednesday amid a plot to impeach Akpabio. According to the reports, a faction of disgruntled northern senators, reportedly dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu, was attempting to revive a previous initiative to oust Akpabio from his position.
Akpabio dismissed the report, stating, “If they have a lot of traffic… Whoever brought out this fake news must be getting a lot of payment because of the traffic going on. I hope the public is aware that this is total fake news and the chamber is very stable and the issue of impeachment does not come up.” He reassured that the Senate chamber is stable, and impeachment is not a concern.
The presence of DSS personnel at the National Assembly complex, cited in the rumors, is not unusual. Maintaining internal security personnel and collaborating with external agencies is standard practice in parliaments worldwide to ensure order and safety. This includes deploying security agencies to safeguard lives and property in the event of any security breaches or threats.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that DSS personnel, dressed in dark suits and wearing dark sunglasses, were strategically positioned from the main entrance to the second gate and at all other access points within the premises on Wednesday morning. However, this is consistent with standard parliamentary security protocols.
Akpabio’s denial of the impeachment rumors comes amid speculation about potential discontent among senators. However, the Senate President’s statement has quelled concerns, reaffirming the stability of the chamber.