Alleged Christian genocide: Post mocking Trump not authored by me – Akpabio
In a post published by a social media platform known as Rant HQ, Akpabio was 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, which rapidly gained traction online, sparked intense debate and outrage amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the US, following President Trump’s remarks accusing Nigeria of widespread persecution of Christians, a claim Nigeria’s government vehemently denies.
In his reaction, Akpabio’s media office denied ever issuing such a statement — “not publicly, privately, in writing, or in conversation.”
“The post is a total falsehood, a product of mischief, and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Godswill Akpabio and US President Donald Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners,” Eyiboh said.
He added that the accompanying photograph used by Rant HQ — showing the Senate President at an unrelated official event — was “deceptively deployed to lend false credibility to a fabricated quote that was never uttered by him.”
“Senator Akpabio is a statesman of global repute and a respected advocate of international friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect among nations.
“He holds President Donald Trump in high regard as a historic figure and a leader of a great nation.
“He would never comment on internal matters of the United States, nor issue any statement that falls within the exclusive domain of Nigeria’s executive arm of government or the nation’s foreign policy establishment,” the statement continued.
The Senate President’s office described the viral post as “a clear act of digital recklessness and a deliberate attempt to sow confusion, tarnish reputations, and inflame unnecessary diplomatic sentiments.”
“We urge the public to ignore this falsehood in its entirety.
“We warn those who trade in misinformation to desist from peddling unverified and fabricated stories just to chase online traffic. Freedom of expression is not freedom to lie,” Eyiboh added.
