‘Social Media Misinformation Must Stop’ – Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed widespread social media reports claiming the National Assembly approved the creation of 12 new states, calling the misinformation “toxic” and warning against the dangers of irresponsible online discourse in Africa.
The false reports, which circulated widely last week, alleged that the Senate’s Constitution Review Committee had finalized plans to establish a dozen new states, sparking heated debates among Nigerians. While some citizens welcomed the idea, others criticized it as politically motivated and economically unsustainable. The Senate was said to have reached a landmark decision and approved the creation of 12 new states.
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However, Senator Abdul Ningi, a member of the Constitution Review Committee, swiftly refuted the claims during Monday’s plenary session. He clarified that no such proposal had been formally presented or deliberated upon by the committee.
“I am a member of the Constitution Review Committee, and I can categorically state that no report on new states has been submitted at the zonal or national level,” Ningi said. “The social media reports claiming that 12 states have been approved are not only false but also dangerously misleading. This is fake news at its worst.”
Ningi emphasized that the committee was still in the consultation phase, with zonal public hearings yet to conclude. He urged Nigerians to rely on verified sources rather than unverified online reports.
Speaking on the subject matter, Akpabio expressed deep concern over the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media, warning that unchecked fake news could destabilize African societies.
“I hope that the way Africans use social media will not break our society; that is my only hope,” Akpabio stated. “You see, even for appointments to be made, people will create fake letterhead papers and write that someone has rejected an appointment. This kind of misinformation creates unnecessary tension and division.”
Akpabio’s remarks highlight growing concerns among African leaders about the weaponization of social media to spread falsehoods, incite violence, and manipulate public opinion. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several instances of fake news leading to ethnic clashes, political unrest, and even loss of lives.
Content Credit | Olaoluwa Ayomide
Image Credit | dubawa.org
