Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Senate has unanimously declared that there is no vacancy in the office of its President, reaffirming its support for Godswill Akpabio amid controversy over his comments on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.
The resolution followed remarks by Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary, where he said his comments on the proposed legislation had been misrepresented in public discussions.
The Senate President argued that his position on the bill should not be interpreted as hostility towards any religion, noting that his aide-de-camp of 19 years was a Muslim.
He also maintained that terrorists had no religion and that those destabilising the country should not be associated with any faith.
Akpabio cautioned television commentators against distorting statements made during legislative proceedings, adding that the Senate presidency had become a target of political attacks after the offices of the President and Vice-President had been settled.
Supporting the resolution, Senator Fasuyi backed a motion moved by Senator Monguno, affirming that Akpabio remained the recognised occupant of the office.
Senator Babangida Hussaini also expressed support for Akpabio, citing his contributions to his state and endorsing his continued leadership of the Senate.
Hussaini, however, raised concerns about the spread of hard drugs and substance abuse, calling for measures to address the problems and prevent them from contributing to criminality, banditry and terrorism.
The controversy followed Akpabio’s remarks during Tuesday’s debate on a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a national framework for suicide prevention.
During the debate, Akpabio was reported to have said that anyone who attempted suicide should succeed or face imprisonment, a position that drew criticism amid arguments over whether survivors should be prosecuted or receive medical attention.
Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people in distress from seeking help and encourage survivors to conceal their experiences.
He proposed replacing criminal penalties with medical assessment, treatment, referrals and continued support for survivors.
The bill also seeks to establish coordinated suicide prevention services, including crisis helplines, referral systems and follow-up care.
Ekpenyong maintained that people who survive suicide attempts should receive urgent clinical attention rather than face prosecution or imprisonment.
Akpabio, however, argued during the debate that attempted suicide remained a criminal offence under the existing legal framework.
The exchange highlighted the disagreement over how Nigeria should respond to suicide attempts, with the proposed legislation seeking to shift the emphasis from punishment to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
The bill passed second reading on Tuesday and is intended to establish a coordinated framework for suicide prevention and support for people experiencing suicidal crises.
