The Senate on Tuesday deferred debate on the raging controversies surrounding allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

President Donald Trump had declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and accused the Federal Government of allowing killing of Christians.

Following Trump’s statement, the U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, confirmed in a post on X that his department was “preparing for action.”

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In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected Trump’s remarks, insisting that Nigeria remained a democracy founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.

The matter came up briefly towards the close of Tuesday’s plenary, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio remarked that Nigerians were eager to hear the Senate’s position on the issue.

However, he said the upper chamber would not take a stance until it had been properly briefed on the federal government’s response.

Akpabio said, “Nigerians want us to take a position. But we won’t take a position on that until we know what the government is doing about it.”

During plenary, Akpabio said social media users had been calling on him to respond personally to Trump’s comments.

“Who am I to reply Trump?” Akpabio asked, explaining that the Senate could only deliberate on matters formally brought before it.

“This issue has not been discussed in the chambers here, but I know we shall discuss it,” he said.

He then put the question to a voice vote, asking senators whether the matter should be slated for future debate.

After the majority responded in favour, he ruled that “the ‘ayes’ have it.”

However, his comment that “Who am I to reply Trump?” drew a sharp response from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who  insisted that Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and that Akpabio shouldn’t be scared to speak on the issue.

“We ‘re not afraid. Don’t be scared. I am a Nigerian. I am a parliamentarian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation,” Barau said firmly.

Akpabio, however, maintained that Trump’s statement did not reflect the current realities in Nigeria, stressing that the country remains united despite its challenges.

“All we need is peace,” he said, cautioning individuals and groups who take internal matters abroad to create the false impression that Christians and Muslims are at war in Nigeria.

The Senate President also warned against the spread of misinformation through social media, urging security agencies to monitor online platforms closely.

“This is necessary so that their breaking news doesn’t break Nigeria,” Akpabio added.