Lawyer faults Akpabio over jail term view for suicide survivors

Human rights advocate Pelumi Olajengbesi has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for advocating jail terms for survivors of suicide attempts. In a Facebook post, Olajengbesi stated that punishing such individuals is counterproductive and may hinder their access to necessary mental health care. He emphasized the need for empathy from leaders, arguing that the Suicide Act 1961 has decriminalized suicide in England and Wales, and Nigeria should follow suit by prioritizing care and recovery over punishment.

Olajengbesi highlighted that a person who survives a suicide attempt requires urgent assistance, and sentencing them to prison could exacerbate the distress that led to their attempt. He further stressed that leadership should address the underlying causes of distress, such as economic hardship, trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges.

Akpabio's reported comments during a Senate session were deemed insensitive to the suffering of Nigerians in psychological crisis.