No one was mocked – Akpabio responds to claims over ‘harmonize’ row

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted reports suggesting he attempted to ridicule Senator Sani Musa during a recent Senate plenary session, describing such claims as false and misleading.

The clarification comes after a video went viral on social media, showing Senator Musa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, struggling momentarily while presenting a harmonised report on the Tax Reform Bills. The clip prompted speculation that the Niger East lawmaker was embarrassed after being asked to define the word “harmonise.”

In a personally signed statement released on Friday in Abuja, Akpabio dismissed the narrative as inaccurate, asserting that no attempt was made to ridicule the senator.

“My attention has been drawn to reports circulating across social media platforms and online blogs, particularly Linda Ikeji’s Blog, which falsely suggest that Senator Sani Musa was ‘rubbished’ during a recent Senate plenary for allegedly failing to define the word ‘harmonised,’” Akpabio said.

“Let me make it clear: no such incident occurred. Senator Musa was neither embarrassed nor unable to respond. A Point of Order was raised by Senator Abdul Ningi at the time, which, in accordance with our rules, took procedural precedence.”

The Senate President also praised Senator Musa’s legislative track record, describing him as a valuable asset to the 10th National Assembly.

“Senator Sani Musa has been instrumental in leading key legislative efforts, both as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance and as Chairman of the Conference Committee that successfully harmonised the Tax Reform Bills—a legislative milestone widely commended by both chambers and stakeholders,” he added.

Akpabio emphasized that the Senate operates with decorum and mutual respect, urging media outlets to exercise responsibility in their coverage of parliamentary proceedings.

“The Nigerian Senate operates on the principles of respect, order, and integrity. While public engagement is welcome, it is essential that commentary, especially from influential media platforms, is grounded in fact—not sensationalism,” the statement read.