Senate declares no vacancy in Akpabio’s office
The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution declaring that there was no vacancy in the office of Senate President, reaffirming its support for Godswill Akpabio amid controversy over his remarks on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.
The resolution followed Akpabio’s clarification during plenary that his comments on the proposed legislation had been misrepresented by sections of the public and television commentators.
Akpabio maintained that his contributions to Tuesday’s debate were taken out of context, insisting that discussions on decriminalising attempted suicide were consistent with modern legislative practices.
He also rejected suggestions that his remarks were directed against any religious group, stressing that terrorism had no religious identity.
The Senate President said suicide was forbidden under his Christian faith and condemned those who killed others in the name of religion.
He cited his longstanding relationship with his Muslim aide-de-camp of 19 years as evidence that he would not deliberately disparage any religion.
Akpabio further alleged that political attacks were increasingly being directed at the Senate Presidency, suggesting that the office had become a target following the settlement of political contests surrounding the presidency and vice-presidency.
Following his remarks, Senator Monguno moved a motion reaffirming that the office of Senate President was not vacant.
Senator Fasuyi supported the motion, declaring that Akpabio remained the legitimate occupant of the office.
The resolution was subsequently adopted unanimously.
Senator Babangida Hussaini also praised Akpabio’s contributions to public service while raising concerns about drug abuse and its relationship with insecurity, banditry and terrorism.
The controversy followed Tuesday’s debate on a bill proposing the removal of criminal penalties for attempted suicide and the introduction of a comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation framework.
During the debate, Akpabio was reported to have suggested that people who attempted suicide could face imprisonment if they survived, prompting criticism.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Asuquo, argued that criminalising attempted suicide discouraged vulnerable people from seeking help and could worsen their psychological distress.
“A police station or correctional facility should not be the default destination for a person who requires urgent clinical care,” Asuquo said.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace prosecution and imprisonment with medical assessment, psychological treatment, crisis intervention and rehabilitation.
It also provides for coordinated suicide prevention services, including emergency helplines, referral systems and follow-up support for survivors.
The bill passed its second reading on Tuesday and will undergo further legislative consideration.