The Arewa Revival Project has passed a vote of confidence in the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while urging Nigerians to disregard unverified social media claims capable of deepening regional tensions.
The group, in a statement signed by its Project Coordinator, Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, reacted to a viral social-media publication allegedly quoting Akpabio as saying that Northerners would suffer if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lost the 2027 presidential election.
It described the alleged statement as ‘deeply inflammatory’ but stressed that the circulation of a graphic bearing Akpabio’s photograph and quotation marks did not establish that he actually made the statement. The group therefore challenged those circulating the allegation to produce the original video or audio recording, transcript, date, venue and credible source from which the claim originated.
According to the organisation, unverified social-media content should not be allowed to become an instrument for creating division among Nigeria’s regions and peoples.
‘Whatever political differences may exist among Nigerians, the office of the President of the Senate deserves constructive engagement and responsible public discourse,’ it said.
The Arewa Revival Project also commended Akpabio for what it described as his commitment to legislative leadership, national dialogue, institutional cooperation and democratic governance.
It said leadership of the National Assembly required courage, experience, diplomacy and the ability to balance diverse political interests while ensuring that legislative business continued effectively.
‘Leadership at the highest level of government requires courage, experience, diplomacy, consultation and the ability to manage diverse interests,’ the statement said.
The organisation said its vote of confidence was based on what it described as verifiable actions, legislative responsibilities and measurable contributions, rather than anonymous social media allegations or politically charged graphics.
It urged the Senate President to continue promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, legislative effectiveness and constructive engagement among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
The group further appealed to Nigerians to place the interest of the country above political parties and individual politicians, stressing that political competition should not become a justification for spreading messages capable of provoking hatred, suspicion or confrontation.
‘Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or election,’ the statement added.
The Arewa Revival Project called on Nigerians to ‘verify before sharing, question before believing and unite before dividing.’
It congratulated Akpabio on his service as President of the Senate and wished him continued wisdom and courage in the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities.