The controversy followed Akpabio’s remarks during Senate deliberations on October 13, when he opposed a proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide and replace imprisonment with medical treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support.
Akpabio later cautioned Nigerians against interpreting lawmakers’ contributions during plenary as the Senate’s final position. Speaking during Thursday’s sitting, he said debates involved opposing views and urged commentators to consider the chamber’s final decisions before drawing conclusions.
The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, however, warned that threatening imprisonment for people who survive suicide attempts could deepen stigma and discourage individuals experiencing psychological distress from seeking professional help.
The association said survivors should receive urgent medical attention, compassionate assessment, treatment and follow-up care rather than punishment. It also urged the National Assembly to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide and establish a properly funded framework for prevention, rehabilitation and continuing support.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, seeks to strengthen suicide prevention services, provide crisis helplines, promote public awareness and improve support for survivors.
The legislation has passed second reading in the Senate and was referred to the relevant committees for further consideration, including a public hearing.
The debate has renewed attention on how Nigeria’s laws should respond to attempted suicide, particularly the balance between criminal penalties and access to mental health care.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments during debate on a bill to decriminalise attempted suicide, while the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has called for a retraction and apology, warning that punitive language could discourage people in crisis from seeking help. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill, as...
Key takeaways
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments during debate on a bill to decriminalise attempted suicide, while the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has called for a retraction and apology, warning that punitive language could discourage people in crisis from seeking help.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill, as the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria calls for a retraction and apology.The controversy followed Akpabio’s remarks during Senate deliberations on October 13, when he opposed a proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide and replace imprisonment with medical treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support.Akpabio later cautioned Nigerians against interpreting lawmakers’ contributions during plenary as the Senate’s final position.
- Speaking during Thursday’s sitting, he said debates involved opposing views and urged commentators to consider the chamber’s final decisions before drawing conclusions.The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, however, warned that threatening imprisonment for people who survive suicide attempts could deepen stigma and discourage individuals experiencing psychological distress from seeking professional help.The association said survivors should receive urgent medical attention, compassionate assessment, treatment and follow-up care rather than punishment.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments during debate on a bill to decriminalise attempted suicide, while the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has called for a retraction and apology, warning that punitive language could discourage people in crisis from seeking help. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill, as...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 16, 2026
