Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports suggesting he mocked Senator Sani Musa during a recent plenary session of the Nigerian Senate, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and sensational.
The rebuttal comes in response to a viral video that showed Senator Musa Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance momentarily hesitating while presenting a harmonised report on the Tax Reform Bills. The video led to widespread online speculation that the Niger East lawmaker was put on the spot after allegedly struggling to define the term “harmonised.”
In a personally signed statement released Friday in Abuja, Akpabio clarified that the incident had been misrepresented. He explained that a Point of Order raised by Senator Abdul Ningi had interrupted the session and that Musa was not in any way embarrassed or mocked.
“Let me make it clear: no such incident occurred. Senator Musa was neither embarrassed nor unable to respond. The Point of Order, raised in line with our rules, took procedural precedence,” Akpabio stated.
He went further to commend Senator Musa’s contributions to legislative work, particularly in leading the harmonisation of the Tax Reform Bills, a development praised by both chambers of the National Assembly and key stakeholders.
“Senator Sani Musa is a valued legislator whose commitment to fiscal reform and sound governance is evident,” Akpabio added.
He also cautioned media outlets, especially popular blogs, against promoting misleading narratives for clickbait, called for more responsible reporting on parliamentary matters.
“The Nigerian Senate operates on the principles of respect, order, and integrity. Commentary must be grounded in fact, not sensationalism,” the Senate President said.
