Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, has dismissed a recent online report claiming he was involved in a physical altercation with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The incident, which was said to have occurred earlier this week, has been labeled as baseless and unfounded by Senator Bamidele.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Media Directorate, the Senator described the report as laughable and nothing more than a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation. He attributed the fake news to Jackson Ude, an individual he referred to as a “serial blackmailer” and unprofessional journalist.
The statement began by drawing attention to the origin of the rumors, which were first shared on the X (formerly Twitter) account of Jackson Ude. According to the Senator, the post alleged that he and Senate President Akpabio had engaged in a heated physical confrontation.
However, Senator Bamidele quickly dismissed these claims, highlighting his unblemished record.
“For over 20 years in politics, I have never been involved in any form of physical assault,” he said. “Even during my days as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I adhered strictly to principles of non-violence.”
Senator Bamidele expressed disbelief at the lengths to which certain individuals would go to spread falsehoods. He described the report as a calculated effort to tarnish his reputation and sow discord within the Senate.
“It is shocking that someone would abandon the ethics of journalism and base their work on baseless gossip. Such reports only aim to destabilize the political system and create unnecessary tension,” the statement read.
To further debunk the story, the Senator pointed out that both he and Senate President Akpabio attended an official meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. YU Dunhai, on the same day the alleged fight was said to have occurred. He emphasized that photos of the meeting, which included other Senate leaders, were widely published in major national newspapers.
Additionally, he revealed that both he and the Senate President left the National Assembly premises together in the same vehicle, further underlining the baselessness of the claims.
Senator Bamidele did not mince words in addressing Jackson Ude and others who engage in similar activities. He warned against misinterpreting his calm demeanor as a weakness and declared his intention to take legal action if necessary.
“I will no longer tolerate this kind of attack on my character. I have been patient, but anyone who continues to spread such malicious stories will face the full force of the law,” he stated.
He specifically referenced the CyberCrime Act of 2015, which provides legal protection against online defamation and misinformation. He urged the public to disregard the report and treat it as the baseless rumor that it is.
This incident highlights a broader issue: the prevalence of fake news and its potential to disrupt governance. For Senator Bamidele, this episode serves as a reminder of the need for public figures to stand firm in the face of false allegations.
“It’s not just about me; it’s about protecting the integrity of the institutions we serve. When fake news spreads unchecked, it undermines trust in public officeholders and weakens our democracy,” he said.
He concluded the statement by calling on Nigerians to be cautious about the sources of information they consume and to always verify news before believing or sharing it.
Senator Bamidele’s firm response to the rumors serves as a clear statement of his commitment to integrity and professionalism. While the false report aimed to create tension, the Senator’s detailed rebuttal has not only set the record straight but also underscored the importance of verifying facts in the digital age.
