By Adamu Yusuf
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that the Senate’s debate on the possible decriminalisation of suicide should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of suicide bombing or violence committed in the name of religion.
Senator Akpabio, while responding to public reactions to the debate, explained that the discussions were intended to encourage a modern approach to suicide, particularly in distinguishing people experiencing mental distress from extremists who take their own lives while killing others.
He stressed that both Islam and Christianity prohibit suicide and condemned attempts to misinterpret religious teachings to justify violence.
The Senate President cautioned commentators against taking legislative deliberations out of context or using them for political purposes as the country approaches another election cycle.
He maintained that lawmakers could hold different opinions during debates, urging Nigerians to consider the context of discussions and the Senate’s eventual decisions before drawing conclusions.
Senator Akpabio also reaffirmed his respect for religious diversity, citing his support for Muslim and Christian pilgrimages and his relationships with people of different faiths.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Babangida Hussain, representing Jigawa North-West Senatorial District, cited the Quran’s prohibition of taking one’s life or killing another person.
Senator Hussain said suicide bombing and other criminal acts should not be attributed to any religion, while expressing concern that hard drugs and substance abuse were contributing to criminal activities among young people.
He urged the Senate to give greater attention to tackling the sources of illicit drugs and addressing substance abuse.
Senator Hussain also commended Senator Akpabio for his contributions to national development, recalling the construction of a hostel accommodating more than 300 female students at the Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
In response, Senator Akpabio thanked him for the commendation and observed that good deeds continued to speak for their authors, encouraging public office holders to sustain their contributions to humanity.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
