Human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has faulted Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his insistence on jail terms for survivors of suicide attempts.
In a statement on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Olajengbesi said opposing punishing survivors of suicide attempts is counterproductive and may prevent such persons from receiving the help they need for their mental health.
Olajengbesi said, “Our leaders need to show more empathy. Suggesting that anyone attempting suicide should ensure they die is deeply disturbing.
“The Suicide Act 1961 decriminalised suicide in England and Wales, ending the prosecution of people who survived suicide attempts. Nigeria should likewise prioritise care and recovery over punishment.
“A person who survives a suicide attempt needs urgent help. Sending that person to prison risks compounding the distress that brought them to that point.
“Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s reported remarks on the floor of the Senate are insensitive to the suffering of Nigerians in psychological crisis. Whatever the intention, such language is unacceptable from someone occupying that office.
“Leaders must be compassionate and address the underlying causes of distress, including economic hardship, trauma, isolation and mental health challenges.
“I agree with Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong that Nigerians in psychological crisis deserve care, protection and a credible path to recovery. Replacing criminal punishment for attempted suicide with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and accessible support is a step in the right direction. Leadership should give people a reason to live and the support to recover.”
On Tuesday, Akpabio opposed moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, insisting that survivors should be jailed, as the Senate passed for second reading a bill seeking to replace criminal punishment with medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework was inconsistent because the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.
Under the proposed framework, survivors would be subjected to appropriate medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support rather than imprisonment. The bill also seeks to strengthen early intervention through public education, crisis response services and improved coordination among relevant institutions.
The bill was then referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative action, including a public hearing.