The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his reported comments on attempted suicide, accusing him of promoting an insensitive approach to mental health and opposing efforts to replace imprisonment with medical care.
The opposition party also condemned Akpabio’s reported reference to “seven virgins” during a Senate debate on the proposed National Suicide Prevention Bill, describing the remark as inappropriate for a discussion involving vulnerable people and the protection of human life.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that suicide attempts should be treated as mental health emergencies rather than criminal offences.
The controversy followed Tuesday’s Senate plenary, during which lawmakers considered legislation seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide and provide treatment, rehabilitation and other support for survivors.
Akpabio reportedly opposed the proposed reform, maintaining that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence and that people who survive such attempts should face imprisonment.
A video circulating online also reportedly captured him making a remark about young people being attracted to death because of the promise of “seven virgins,” drawing further criticism from the ADC.
Reacting to the comment, the party said it was particularly disturbing because it introduced religious stereotyping into a debate that should focus on preventing suicide and protecting human life.
The ADC described the reported remark as careless and insensitive, arguing that it trivialised a serious issue with potentially fatal consequences.
The party also faulted Akpabio’s position on imprisonment, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts need access to professional mental healthcare, counselling and rehabilitation rather than the threat of prosecution.
According to the ADC, criminalising attempted suicide is a colonial-era legacy that should be abolished in favour of a system that prioritises treatment and recovery.
The party expressed disappointment that the Senate President had reportedly defended retaining imprisonment as a punishment at a time when lawmakers were considering reforming the existing legal framework.
It argued that threatening suicide survivors with imprisonment could discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking help or disclosing suicidal thoughts.
The ADC warned that a system that leaves vulnerable people fearing punishment could worsen their desperation rather than prevent suicide.
The proposed legislation seeks to address the conflict between provisions of Nigeria’s criminal laws and the National Mental Health Act, which recognises the need for medical intervention in mental health emergencies.
Under the existing legal framework, attempted suicide remains criminalised under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, although lawmakers are considering changes to shift the response towards treatment and rehabilitation.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has argued that criminal punishment could discourage people from seeking assistance and encourage families to conceal suicide attempts for fear of stigma or prosecution.
The Senate passed the bill for second reading despite Akpabio’s opposition, allowing it to proceed to further legislative consideration.
The ADC called on lawmakers to adopt a more compassionate approach to suicide prevention by prioritising counselling, accessible mental health services, early intervention and support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The party maintained that legislation intended to prevent suicide should focus on preserving life and helping survivors recover rather than punishing them for their distress.
The debate has renewed calls for Nigeria to review its approach to suicide prevention and strengthen mental health services across the country.
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