The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has opposed strikes to decriminalise tried suicide, insisting that individuals who survive suicide makes an attempt must be despatched to jail.
Akpabio made the place identified on Tuesday because the Senate handed for second studying a invoice searching for to switch prison punishment for tried suicide with medical remedy, rehabilitation and assist providers.
The invoice, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, proposes measures to handle tried suicide as a psychological well being concern quite than a prison offence.
During deliberations, Akpabio mentioned, “As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison.”
He made the remarks whereas responding to Senator Abdul Ningi, noting that the invoice had not but reached the general public listening to stage.
Akpabio acknowledged that Ekpenyong wished survivors of suicide makes an attempt to be rehabilitated however maintained that the proposed reform required cautious consideration.
“If you attempt it and don’t succeed, we will jail you,” he mentioned.
Ekpenyong, nonetheless, argued that the invoice was supposed to handle the stigma related to tried suicide and recognise it as a psychological well being concern.
“Mr President, it is beyond that. I am only addressing the stigma associated with it. For now, we believe this 10th Senate can change and decriminalise it. It is a mental health issue,” the senator mentioned.
Akpabio mentioned the proposal required additional examination as a result of each the Criminal Code and the Penal Code criminalise tried suicide. He additionally known as for state legislatures to take part within the public listening to course of.
Presenting the invoice, Ekpenyong mentioned present legal guidelines had been inconsistent with the National Mental Health Act, which treats tried suicide as a psychiatric emergency, whereas Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code prescribe punishment for the offence.
He argued that criminalising tried suicide may discourage folks experiencing psychological well being crises from searching for assist. It may additionally lead households to hide suicide makes an attempt and well being staff to underreport circumstances.
The proposed laws offers for medical evaluation, referrals, remedy, follow-up care and early intervention for individuals who try suicide.
It additionally proposes disaster helplines, coaching for cops, academics and healthcare staff, public consciousness campaigns and a nationwide information system to enhance the response to suicide makes an attempt.
The Senate’s passage of the invoice for second studying doesn’t quantity to ultimate approval or a right away change within the legislation.
The invoice was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for additional consideration, together with a public listening to.
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