Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed widespread reports alleging that the Nigerian Senate has approved the creation of 12 additional states, labeling the claims as false and misleading.
The rumour, which gained traction across social media platforms, sparked varied reactions from the public, with many assuming that the Senate had made a formal decision on state creation.
However, during plenary on Monday, Senator Abdul Ningi, a member of the Constitution Review Committee, firmly refuted the reports. He clarified that the committee has not received or reviewed any recommendations on the creation of new states.
“Our zonal public hearing inputs have not yet been submitted to the central Constitution Review Committee,” Ningi stated. “The circulating information suggesting the National Assembly has endorsed the creation of 12 new states is completely baseless, misleading, and irresponsible.”
He emphasized that the Senate has neither deliberated on nor approved any proposals regarding state creation at any level.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio voiced concern over the growing misuse of digital platforms in Africa, warning of the potential societal damage caused by the spread of misinformation.
“My only worry is that the way social media is used in Africa could ultimately destroy our society,” Akpabio said. “People even go as far as forging official documents to falsely claim that someone declined an appointment.”
Both lawmakers stressed the need for the public to verify information before sharing it, urging restraint in spreading unverified content that could cause public unrest.
