Akpabio Denies Viral Post Mocking Trump Over Nigeria Remark
By Blessing Kalu
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed as fake a viral social media post claiming he mocked United States President Donald Trump over comments about alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the post as “completely fabricated, malicious, and reckless,” insisting he never made such remarks in any form. The false post, shared by a social media page known as Rant HQ, had quoted Akpabio as saying, “The killing is taking place in Nigeria, not in USA, Trump should focus on US. Nigerians are not complaining about the killings, we are fully satisfied with the condition of Nigeria.”
The statement quickly spread online, drawing outrage and debate amid diplomatic tension following Trump’s recent comments accusing Nigeria of widespread persecution of Christians.
Akpabio’s media office said no such statement was issued “publicly, privately, in writing, or in conversation.” It described the post as “a deliberate attempt to create misunderstanding between Senator Godswill Akpabio and President Donald Trump, and to sow discord between Nigeria and its allies.” Eyiboh also faulted the use of Akpabio’s photograph in the viral post, saying it was taken from an unrelated event and “deceptively used to lend false credibility to a fabricated quote.”
“Senator Akpabio is a statesman of international standing, a firm believer in diplomacy and mutual respect among nations,” the statement read. “He holds President Trump in high esteem and would never comment on internal matters of the United States or make statements outside the purview of Nigeria’s foreign policy.”
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The Senate President’s office described the viral claim as “digital recklessness” aimed at tarnishing reputations and stirring diplomatic unease. It urged Nigerians to ignore the report and cautioned online users against spreading misinformation for attention.
“Freedom of expression must not be abused as freedom to lie,” Eyiboh said, adding that the Senate remains committed to promoting truth, transparency, and responsible communication both locally and internationally. The clarification comes days after President Trump said on his Truth Social platform that his government might consider military intervention in Nigeria, following his decision to list the country as one of concern over alleged religious persecution.