Akpabio Defends Remarks On Suicide Bill, Says Muslims Are Not Terrorists

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide, insisting that Muslims are not terrorists and warning against the use of edited video clips to inflame religious and political tensions.

Akpabio made the clarification during plenary on Thursday following online reactions to a viral video of his remarks during debate on the proposed legislation.

He explained that his comments were taken out of context, stressing that he had no intention of stigmatising any religious group or portraying Islam in a negative light.

The Senate President maintained that both Islam and Christianity prohibit suicide and the killing of innocent people, arguing that individuals who carry out suicide bombings for political or financial reasons do not represent any religion.

He urged political commentators and social media users to consider the full context of legislative debates before circulating excerpts that could misrepresent lawmakers’ positions and deepen religious divisions.

Akpabio also reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to legislation aimed at protecting public safety and strengthening national security.

The controversy followed reactions to his earlier comments on the proposed suicide prevention legislation, which seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for people who attempt to take their own lives.