ABUJA, NIGERIA — A human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has faulted Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s insistence on a jail term for suicide survivors in Nigeria.
Olajengbesi made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja. He said criminalising attempted suicide is outdated and inhumane. He said it fails to address the underlying mental health issues.
Akpabio’s Position
Akpabio had said persons who attempt suicide should be jailed. He argued that this would serve as a deterrent. He made the statement during a recent public event.
The Senate President said the law should be enforced to discourage the act. He said suicide attempts should not be treated lightly.
Lawyer’s Response
Olajengbesi disagreed with Akpabio. He said attempting suicide is a cry for help, not a crime. He said survivors need counselling and support, not imprisonment.
“People who attempt suicide are going through mental health crises. They need help, not punishment. Jailing them will only worsen their situation,” Olajengbesi stated.
Mental Health Perspective
The lawyer said Nigeria’s mental health laws need reform. He said the country should adopt a public health approach to suicide. He said this would save lives and reduce stigma.
He noted that many countries have decriminalised attempted suicide. He said Nigeria should follow suit.
Call for Action
Olajengbesi urged the National Assembly to review the law. He said lawmakers should focus on prevention and support services. He also called for more investment in mental health care.
“Suicide is a preventable tragedy. We must treat it as a health issue, not a criminal one. Let us build a system that supports people in distress,” he said.
What This Means
The debate over suicide and the law is important. It highlights the need for better mental health services in Nigeria. It also raises questions about how society treats people in crisis.
For now, the law remains in place. But calls for reform are growing. Advocates hope that lawmakers will act soon.
