Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has expressed opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria. The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), passed its second reading in the Senate on Tuesday. However, Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is not in agreement with the proposed decriminalisation, stating that anyone who attempts suicide and fails should be jailed. According to a report by Premium Times Nigeria, Akpabio said, “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.” The bill, which aims to address inconsistencies in Nigerian laws that treat attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency, also seeks to establish a national framework for prevention and rehabilitation of those at risk. The Senate’s passage of the bill for second reading follows similar action by the House of Representatives last week. It is unclear when the bill will be considered for further discussion and possible approval.
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