FACT CHECK: Is Senator Akpabio saying President Tinubu’s life is ‘more important than an ordinary citizen’?

Claiming:BREAKING NEWS: “We know Nigerians are hungry, but that will not stop us from approving a private jet for Mr President. His life is now more important than that of ordinary citizens. We must do it as quickly as possible” — God willing, Akpabio.

Indictment: Misleading. There is no evidence to support the claims circulating on social media platforms.

Full Text:

The President of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the life of President Bola Tinubu is more important than that of ordinary citizens.

These widespread claims come after the Federal Government’s move to purchase new presidential jets for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

There was a public outcry against the proposed purchase of a new airline following revelations in the House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee report.

Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, socio-political groups and netizens condemned the plan.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Akpabio purportedly made a statement emphasizing the importance of the lawmaker’s proposed new presidential fleet.

The claim has circulated on WhatsApp, Threads, Instagram And Xgarnering over ten thousand engagements across social media platforms.

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This claim also appeared in several online blogs Here And Here.

Recall that President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has responded to criticism.

Onaguga reportedly debate that “this (the plan to acquire a new airline) is the basic thing any sane government would do. You can’t play with the welfare of your President.”

Ripples Nigeria decided to check the veracity of the viral statement ascribed to Akpabio due to its potential to exacerbate the anger expressed by Nigerians.

Verification:

A check through the comments column, especially on X, revealed that several social media users requested a video recording of the Senate Chair’s statement. But that is not a given; in fact, some people rejected the request on the grounds that Senator Akpabio had made false statements triggered public criticism.

At the time this report was filed, no video recording of the Senate President making the statement had been viewed or posted online.

Further checks by Ripples Nigeria showed that no newspaper reported Senator Akpabio’s statement.

Findings too revealed that Senator Akpabio’s interview at a recent public appearance centered on the reintroduced national anthem and the Student Loans Bill.

Conclusion:

There is no evidence to support the viral statement made by Senator Akpabio.

By Quadri Yahya

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