Akpabio Petitions DSS: Anti-North Statement Investigation

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over a fabricated anti-Northern statement attributed to him.
• The false statement, circulated on Facebook, claimed Akpabio said Northerners would suffer if Tinubu lost the election.
• Akpabio's Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, filed the petition, asserting the statement is "manifestly false, inflammatory and dangerously divisive."
• The DSS is urged to investigate identified "persons of interest" who were early disseminators of the graphic, though they are not presumed guilty.
• This action occurs amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, highlighting concerns about social media misinformation.

The petition's description of the statement as 'inflammatory and dangerously divisive' underscores the potential for such content to destabilize public discourse and incite unrest, particularly in a politically charged environment.

Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has formally requested the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the origin and spread of a fabricated anti-Northern statement falsely attributed to him. The petition, which addresses the "Akpabio petitions DSS anti-North statement" issue, was publicly disclosed to journalists in Abuja by Jackson Udom, Akpabio's Special Assistant on Media. This action underscores a growing concern among public figures regarding the proliferation of misinformation on digital platforms.

The contentious statement, which appeared on Facebook and other online channels, featured Akpabio's photograph and official designation, alongside the incendiary quote: "Northerners, You Will Be The Ones To Suffer The Most, If You Allow Tinubu To Lose The Election." Akpabio's Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, submitted the formal complaint on behalf of the Senate President, urging the DSS to swiftly probe what was characterized as a "manifestly false, inflammatory and dangerously divisive statement." The petition asserts that no credible evidence, such as a date, venue, speech, interview, video, audio recording, official statement, or news report, exists to authenticate the alleged remarks.

The formal complaint further highlighted that the graphic containing the fake statement lacked any identifiable publisher's mark or verifiable source, suggesting it was deliberately manufactured to appear as an authentic quotation. This alleged fabrication, according to the petition, was designed to mislead the public, incite regional animosity against Akpabio, and falsely portray him as threatening the people of Northern Nigeria. The "Nigerian Senate President fake statement" is thus a critical point of concern for national unity.

A preliminary review of publicly accessible Facebook data has already identified several early disseminators of the graphic. These individuals, though not presumed guilty, are considered "persons of interest" whose activities could aid the "DSS investigation social media misinformation." Among those named are Abdullai Musa, who allegedly posted the graphic in a Facebook group titled "Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman group 24," and Uzoma Chilaka, whose Facebook post reportedly reproduced the graphic alongside commentary attributed to Boniface Uzoma Chilaka and Engineer Ibrahim Umar Ammar. Additionally, a verified Facebook account belonging to Ibrahim Umar Ammar is noted for subsequently reproducing the graphic and similar commentary. The "Chinedu Akubueze petition DSS" specifically requests that the publication records, devices, communications, and the provenance of the image related to these individuals be investigated in accordance with legal provisions.

This incident highlights the increasing reliance on state security apparatuses, such as the DSS, to address "Political misinformation Nigeria" and combat the spread of fake news on social media. The petition's description of the statement as 'inflammatory and dangerously divisive' underscores the potential for such content to destabilize public discourse and incite unrest, particularly in a politically charged environment. The call for a comprehensive "DSS investigation social media misinformation" reflects a broader governmental effort to control the narrative and prevent the erosion of public trust through digital falsehoods.

The timing of this petition is particularly noteworthy, occurring amidst heightened political activities in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Social media platforms have become central battlegrounds for politicians and parties seeking to mobilize support and influence public opinion. As a prominent political figure within the President Bola Tinubu administration and a representative for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, Akpabio frequently features in political debates surrounding the upcoming elections, making him a target for such alleged smear campaigns.

The "Godswill Akpabio DSS petition" serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by online content investigation Nigeria, particularly when it involves high-profile political figures. The request for the DSS to trace the graphic's designer, original uploader, sponsors, intermediaries, and distribution network illustrates the complexity of combating sophisticated misinformation campaigns. This case emphasizes that while individuals identified as early circulators are crucial, the ultimate goal is to uncover the architects behind such divisive content.

The incident underscores the critical need for due diligence regarding online statements, especially for public figures. The potential for fabricated content to provoke regional resentment and misrepresent intentions necessitates robust investigative measures. As Nigeria approaches its next election cycle, the effective monitoring and combating of political misinformation will remain a significant concern for both security agencies and the political establishment, aiming to safeguard the integrity of public discourse and prevent the manipulation of public sentiment.

This case highlights the increasing use of state security agencies like the DSS in Nigeria to combat political misinformation and fake news on social media. Lawyers advising public figures or entities should note the potential for such petitions and investigations, particularly concerning content deemed inflammatory or divisive, and counsel clients on due diligence regarding online statements.

Source: Reporting based on original news coverage.