Uche Amunike
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has dispelled the rumors making the rounds on social media that he allegedly collapsed as a result of ill-health and was flown to London in a private jet for medical treatment.
He dismissed the rumors by sharing photos of himself presiding over plenary on Tuesday.
According to the report, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, collapsed on the 10th of this month and was rushed to London in a private jet provided by billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote.
In what however appeared to be a direct response to the claims, Akpabio posted photographs on his verified X account, showing where he was interacting with senators during plenary.
He stated: ‘Today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, I presided over plenary, where Ambassadorial nominees from President Tinubu were screened and confirmed.’
The Senate has therefore urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to promptly investigate the viral rumours alleging the collapse and in some instances, the death of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The National Assembly also gave directives to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to collaborate with the NSA to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
The resolution became expedient after a point of order raised under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders (2023 as amended) by Senator representing APC Benue-Northwest), Titus Zam who expressed concern over the reports that had circulated for more than 48 hours.
Senator Titus Zam described the rumours as ‘alarming and unacceptable’, emphasizing that the Senate President is Nigeria’s number three citizen and should not be subjected to such misinformation.
He condemned claims made by some media platforms that the Senate President suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London, describing the reports as fake, irresponsible and capable of misleading the public.
He also urged security agencies to fish out the people behind the false claims and ensure that they are prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to other people who engage in such acts.
He added: ‘When sanctions are meted out against the promoters of such negative reports, it will discourage anyone from engaging in this infamous and dangerous act against our democracy and our country.’
In reaction, accepted the challenge of regulating social media narratives, noting that people cannot be stopped from writing what he termed garbage in garbage out.
However, he sought clarification on whether it was the will of the Senate to refer the matter to the National Security Adviser for investigation, which led to the motion being put to a voice vote and adopted with the Senate resolving that the NSA should probe the origin and motive behind the rumours concerning the alleged collapse of the Senate President.
Recall that in August, speculations were rife that Akpabio was indisposed and hospitalized following a brief vacation in London, United Kingdom. He however dismissed the rumours on his return concerning his supposed ill-health.
