By Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau on Tuesday clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over how the upper chamber should respond to comments by former United States President Donald Trump, accusing Nigeria of persecuting Christians.
The issue came up toward the end of plenary after Akpabio informed lawmakers that Nigerians were eager to know the Senate’s position following Trump’s statement describing Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Akpabio, however, said the Senate would not take a position until the Federal Government formally briefed the legislature on the matter.
“Who am I to reply Trump?” Akpabio asked rhetorically, stressing that the Senate could only deliberate on issues properly brought before it.
But Barau immediately interjected, declaring that he was not afraid to speak on the matter.
“Don’t be scared. I can say it. I am not scared of Trump,” the Deputy Senate President said. “I am a Nigerian and the Deputy Senate President of a sovereign nation. He is saying lies about our country, and we have the right to dispute it.”
Akpabio swiftly responded, insisting he was not afraid of Trump but was maintaining procedural caution.
“How can the Senate President of Nigeria be scared of Trump?” Akpabio asked. “Speak, but don’t allow people to ascribe what you did not say to you.”
The exchange drew attention across the chamber, prompting Akpabio to direct the Clerk of the Senate to strike out Barau’s remarks from the official record, stating that his comments were “out of order.”
Barau later walked up to the Senate President’s seat, and both men were seen having a brief, hushed conversation before normal proceedings resumed.
Trump’s statement, which alleged that Christians were being killed in Nigeria, has continued to generate strong reactions locally and internationally.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since dismissed the allegations, maintaining that Nigeria remains a democracy founded on freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, China has also waded into the controversy, expressing support for Nigeria and warning against any form of external interference. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said no country should use religion or human rights as a pretext to threaten another sovereign state.
