The Senate on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution declaring that there is no vacancy in the office of the Senate President, currently occupied by Senator Godswill Akpabio, amid political tensions following controversy over his comments on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.
The resolution followed Akpabio’s remarks during plenary, in which he cautioned the public against misinterpreting his comments on the proposed legislation, which passed second reading on Tuesday.
The Senate President said his remarks had been taken out of context, stressing that terrorists had no religion and that those destabilising the country were not Nigerians.
Addressing concerns over religion, Akpabio maintained that suicide was forbidden in Christianity and argued that discussions on decriminalising attempted suicide were part of modern legislative practice.
He also warned that anyone who killed others in the name of suicide should not expect to attain heaven or paradise, while urging television commentators to exercise caution when reporting Senate proceedings.
Akpabio further cited his 19-year relationship with his Muslim aide-de-camp (ADC) as evidence that he would not make disparaging remarks about any religion.
Amid the charged atmosphere, the Senate President said that with the offices of President and Vice President already settled, the Senate presidency had become a target of political attacks.
Supporting the resolution, Senator Fasuyi backed a motion moved by Senator Monguno, affirming that the office of the Senate President was not vacant and would remain occupied by Akpabio.
Similarly, Senator Babangida Hussaini praised Akpabio’s contributions to his state and endorsed his continued leadership. Hussaini also called for urgent action to address hard drug use and substance abuse, which he said contributed to criminality, banditry and terrorism in the country.
Controversy over attempted suicide bill
The Senate’s resolution came two days after Akpabio sparked controversy during plenary while lawmakers debated a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a framework for suicide prevention.
Akpabio was reported to have said that anyone who attempted suicide in Nigeria had to succeed or risk being sent to prison. The remarks reportedly came as Senator Asuquo outlined the objectives and provisions of the proposed legislation.
Presenting the bill, Asuquo said the proposal would replace criminal punishment for attempted suicide with a system focused on medical assessment, treatment, referral and continued support for survivors.
He explained that the legislation went beyond removing criminal penalties by establishing a legal and institutional framework for government agencies, healthcare facilities, first responders and communities to prevent suicide and respond to people at risk.
Under the proposed framework, survivors of suicide attempts would receive appropriate clinical care rather than face prosecution and imprisonment.
“A police station or correctional facility should not be the default destination for a person who requires urgent clinical care,” Asuquo said.
He added that the bill would provide a basis for coordinated suicide prevention services, including crisis helplines, referral pathways and follow-up support for survivors.
Asuquo also warned that criminalising attempted suicide could have unintended consequences by encouraging people experiencing suicidal crises to ensure their attempts were fatal to avoid prosecution.
Responding to the argument, Akpabio reportedly asked whether the proposed legislation was intended to prevent people from succeeding in their suicide attempts.
Asuquo answered in the affirmative, explaining that the existing threat of imprisonment could discourage survivors from seeking help.
“The fact that you can go to jail and go to prison for attempting and surviving suicide ensures that the person attempting suicide will do everything within his power to ensure that he kills himself,” he said.
Akpabio, however, maintained that attempted suicide remained a criminal offence under the existing legal framework.
“But that’s what we are saying now, that as far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. And therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” the Senate President was quoted as saying.
He reportedly added that a person who survived a suicide attempt could be imprisoned and subsequently rehabilitated.
Bill seeks shift from punishment to prevention
The debate has highlighted the central issue underpinning the proposed legislation: whether people who survive suicide attempts should face criminal prosecution or receive medical and psychological support.
The bill seeks to shift the response from punishment to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, with the aim of ensuring that people experiencing suicidal crises can access appropriate care.
The Senate’s consideration of the proposal comes amid wider discussions about how Nigeria’s legal and healthcare systems should respond to suicide attempts and provide support for vulnerable people.
