There was drama in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jibrin Barau, clashed over United States President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria and comments about alleged Christian genocide and possible U.S. military action.
The exchange came days after Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and ethnic minorities, alleging that religious persecution and mass killings were being ignored by authorities.
Speaking during plenary, Akpabio distanced himself from reports claiming he responded to Trump’s comments, stressing that he never issued any statement on the matter.
“I never replied to President Trump over allegations of Christian genocide,” Akpabio said. “I’ve petitioned the police and the DSS to find the character behind the fake news. It’s the presidency that should reply to President Trump. Who am I to answer Trump?”
However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau took a different stance, declaring that Nigeria is a sovereign nation that should not be intimidated by any foreign leader.
“Mr. President, Nigeria is a sovereign nation. Don’t be scared. I’m not scared of Trump,” Barau said. “I can say my mind. I’m a parliamentarian and Deputy Senate President. I can speak. I’m not scared of Trump.”
Akpabio, appearing uneasy with his deputy’s remarks, cautioned him to avoid making statements that could be misrepresented. “Get something clear—don’t allow people to ascribe what you didn’t say to you,” he warned.
Barau maintained that Akpabio was right not to have issued any statement but insisted the Senate should not appear fearful. “Yes, you didn’t make that statement. That’s correct, but you shouldn’t be scared of saying anything,” he said.
Amid the back-and-forth, Akpabio, in a lighter tone, asked, “If you want me to say it now, should I say?”
Barau quickly responded, “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.”
At that point, Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate to delete Barau’s comments from the official record, saying the Deputy Senate President had spoken “out of tune.”
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