Senate Reaffirms Akpabio’s Position After Row Over Suicide Prevention Bill

The Senate on Thursday resolved that the seat of its President, Godswill Akpabio, was not vacant following a mild drama during plenary over his comments on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.

The development followed Akpabio’s claim that some politicians were targeting him because of the position he occupies as President of the 11th Senate.

Akpabio said his remarks during deliberations on the suicide prevention bill had been taken out of context by individuals he alleged were interested in his seat.

Clarifying his position, the Senate President insisted that he did not malign the Islamic religion while contributing to discussions on the proposed legislation.

The bill, sponsored by Akpabio, seeks to establish a framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for people who attempt to take their own lives.

The Senate’s resolution reaffirmed that Akpabio’s position as President of the 11th Senate remained intact amid the controversy surrounding his comments.