A dramatic exchange erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Monday between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s allegations of a Christian g+nocide in Nigeria.
Senate President Akpabio clarified his position, saying, “I never replied to President Trump over allegations of Christian g+nocide. I’ve petitioned the police and the DSS to find the character behind the news. It’s the presidency that’ll answer President Trump. Who am I to answer President Trump?”
Deputy Senate President Barau countered, expressing his confidence in speaking out, stating, “Mr. President, Nigeria is a sovereign nation. 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.”
Akpabio responded with a cautionary note, advising his deputy, “Get something, don’t allow people to ascribe what you didn’t say to you.”
Barau replied, reinforcing the need for clarity, “Yes, you didn’t make that statement. That’s correct, but you shouldn’t be scared of saying anything.”
At one point, Akpabio offered to make a statement himself, asking rhetorically, “If you want me to say it now, should I say?”
Barau stood firm, emphasizing national sovereignty, “We’re not scared of Trump. We’re a sovereign nation. He’s spreading lies about our country. What he’s saying is not correct.”
The tense exchange concluded with Akpabio directing the Senate Clerk, “Eh, Clerk, please delete what the Deputy Senate President has said. He spoke out of tune.”
The confrontation highlighted a rare public disagreement in the Senate over how Nigeria should respond to foreign commentary on its internal affairs.
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