Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his opposition to decriminalising attempted suicide, urging lawmakers to prioritise treatment and rehabilitation for survivors rather than imprisonment.
Olajengbesi, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday, warned that punishing people who survive suicide attempts could worsen their distress and discourage them from seeking the mental health support they need.
He 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.”
The lawyer also described Akpabio’s reported remarks during Tuesday’s Senate proceedings as insensitive to Nigerians experiencing psychological distress, saying leaders should respond with compassion and address the underlying causes of mental health crises.
Olajengbesi said: “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.
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“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.”
Akpabio had opposed moves to decriminalise attempted suicide on Tuesday, 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 proposed legislation, 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.
The bill proposes that survivors undergo appropriate medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support instead of being imprisoned.
It also seeks to strengthen early intervention through public education, crisis response services and improved coordination among relevant institutions.
Following its second-reading passage, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration, including a public hearing.
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