The Senate has unanimously adopted a resolution declaring that there is no vacancy in the office of the Senate President, currently occupied by Godswill Akpabio.
The resolution followed Akpabio’s remarks during Thursday’s plenary, where he cautioned the public against misinterpreting his comments on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.
Akpabio said his comments during Tuesday’s debate on the bill, which passed second reading, had been misrepresented.
He also maintained that terrorism had no religious affiliation and that those destabilising the country were not Nigerians.
The Senate President said suicide was forbidden in Christianity and argued that discussions on decriminalising attempted suicide were consistent with modern legislative practice.
He warned that anyone who killed others in the name of suicide should not expect to enter heaven or paradise, while urging television commentators to avoid misrepresenting proceedings in the Senate.
Akpabio also cited his 19-year relationship with his Muslim aide-de-camp, saying he would not make disparaging remarks about any religion.
Amid the tense atmosphere, he said the offices of the President and Vice-President had been settled, leaving the Senate presidency as a target of political attacks.
Senator Fasuyi supported a motion sponsored by Senator Monguno, affirming that the Senate President’s seat was not vacant and would remain occupied by Akpabio.
Another lawmaker, Senator Babangida Hussaini, also endorsed Akpabio’s return and highlighted his contributions to his state. Hussaini further called for action against hard drugs and substance abuse, which he linked to criminality, banditry and terrorism.
Controversy over attempted suicide bill
The controversy followed Akpabio’s comments during Tuesday’s plenary, when the Senate debated a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a framework for suicide prevention.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the proposed legislation would replace criminal punishment for attempted suicide with medical assessment, treatment, referrals and continued support for survivors.
“The bill goes beyond removing criminal penalties. It establishes a coherent legal and institutional framework through which government agencies, health facilities, first responders and communities can prevent suicide and respond effectively when a person is at risk,” Asuquo said.
He argued that people who survived suicide attempts should 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,” he said.
Asuquo added that the bill would provide a basis for coordinated suicide prevention services, including crisis helplines, referral pathways and follow-up support for survivors.
He also warned that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people from seeking help and potentially make those experiencing suicidal crises more determined to die rather than survive and face prosecution.
During the exchange, Akpabio questioned whether the proposed legislation was intended to prevent people from succeeding in their suicide attempts.
Asuquo answered in the affirmative, explaining that the concern was the threat of imprisonment for those who survived.
“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 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 said.
He was also reported to have suggested that a person who survived a suicide attempt could be imprisoned and later rehabilitated.
The debate highlighted the central issue behind the proposed legislation: whether survivors of suicide attempts should face criminal prosecution or receive medical and psychological support.
The bill seeks to shift the response from punishment towards prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, with the aim of helping people experiencing suicidal crises access appropriate care.