The Senate has said it will debate recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said he would withhold personal comment on the issue until the Federal Government issues an official response, noting that the matter involves “sensitive diplomatic considerations.”

“Who am I to respond to President Trump?” Akpabio asked rhetorically, emphasising that he had not made any public remark on the controversy.

The Senate President revealed that he had petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) and initiated legal action against the blogger responsible for a false report linking him to comments on the matter.

He urged restraint in public commentary, warning that misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric could endanger national unity.

“This is not a time for falsehoods or sensationalism. We must guard our democracy and our peace,” Akpabio said.

He confirmed that the Senate would formally deliberate on the issue at a later date and directed the Cybercrime Unit to trace and prosecute those spreading fake news about the National Assembly.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin interjected humorously, asking if Akpabio was “afraid of Trump,” before stressing that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation.

Trump had claimed in his Truth Social posts that he instructed the Pentagon to plan a military operation in Nigeria following alleged attacks on Christians. He warned that U.S. action “would be fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Reacting, presidential spokesman Mr. Daniel Bwala told AFP that Nigeria remains a strategic partner of the United States in the global fight against terrorism.

“Nigeria welcomes U.S. support to fight terrorism, provided it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala said.

He added that Trump’s remarks might have been intended to push for a high-level meeting between both leaders, noting that President Tinubu “could meet Trump soon” to discuss shared security concerns.