Akpabio Urges Nigerians to Await Senate’s Final Decision on Suicide Bill

Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to distinguish individual contributions during plenary debates from the Senate’s final position, following public reactions to his opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.

Akpabio made the appeal during Thursday’s plenary, saying lawmakers must be allowed to express opposing views as they deliberate on proposed legislation.

“When we discuss here, we discuss for and against, and in the course of our discussions, whatever we say should not anger anybody outside this chamber, because at the end, what matters is our final decision,” he said.

He added, “We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other.”

The Senate President specifically cautioned television panellists and other public commentators against interpreting legislative proceedings through political considerations without considering the chamber’s eventual decision.

“No matter the discussion, please consider the final decision of the Senate. Don’t go and sit down in panels and try to do politically motivated discussions,” he added.

The controversy followed Akpabio’s opposition to the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South. The bill passed second reading during Tuesday’s plenary and seeks to replace imprisonment for attempted suicide with medical treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support.

During the debate, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, drawing criticism over his remarks on the proposed penalties for survivors.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed.

“If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” the Senate President said.

He subsequently reiterated his position, saying, “if you attempt it and don’t succeed, we will jail you.”

Ekpenyong argued that the proposed legislation would address inconsistencies between the National Mental Health Act, which recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, and provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code that criminalise the act.

The bill also proposes crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, and a national data system to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

Akpabio also called for distinctions between people experiencing mental health challenges and those who deliberately take their own lives or harm others.

“You have to distinguish between suicide committed by people who are mentally disturbed and suicide intentionally committed by people who are physically sound,” he said.

Addressing concerns about religion and terrorism, the Senate President rejected attempts to associate violent acts with a particular faith.

“Terrorists are not Muslims. Terrorists are not Christians. Terrorists are human beings who believe in taking their lives and the lives of others,” he said.

He also cited his support for Muslim and Christian pilgrims during his tenure as governor, alongside his longstanding relationships with Muslim members of his staff, to emphasise his position on religious tolerance.

“My ADC for 19 years is a Muslim. I don’t recognise him as a Muslim. I recognise him as a brother,” he said, adding, “There’s no way I will talk down on Muslim religion.”

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further consideration, including a public hearing. Its passage for second reading means the proposal will proceed through the legislative process but does not constitute final approval or an amendment of existing laws.

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