RismadarVoice Reporters
October 15, 2026
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his controversial remarks about Muslims during a Senate debate, saying he has sponsored Muslim pilgrims to Mecca for 25 years and has no intention of disparaging Islam.
Akpabio clarified Thursday’s plenary following criticism of comments he made on Tuesday while lawmakers were considering the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention.
During the earlier debate, Akpabio referred to beliefs about rewards in the afterlife while discussing suicide, prompting criticism from commentators who considered the statement offensive to Muslims.
Responding to the controversy, the Senate president maintained that his remarks had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
He said his longstanding support for religious pilgrimages demonstrated his respect for Muslims and their faith.
According to Akpabio, he has sponsored Muslims to Mecca for more than two decades, including during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He disclosed that he had facilitated pilgrimages for approximately 5,800 Muslims, alongside more than 10,000 Christians who travelled to Rome and Jerusalem.
Akpabio also cited his close working relationships with Muslim security personnel, including his aide-de-camp, whom he described as a trusted associate of 19 years.
The Senate president said religious differences had never determined how he treated members of his staff or those around him.
He further accused some television commentators of presenting legislative discussions without adequate context, suggesting that political considerations were influencing public interpretations of his remarks.
Akpabio explained that disagreements were normal during parliamentary proceedings because lawmakers must examine different perspectives before reaching decisions on proposed legislation.
He stressed that such exchanges should not automatically be interpreted as the final position of the Senate.
Addressing the relationship between religion and terrorism, Akpabio rejected attempts to associate violent extremism with any particular religious community.
He maintained that Islam, as he understood it, prohibits suicide and unlawful killing, adding that perpetrators of violence should not use religion to justify their actions.
The Senate president urged Nigerians to distinguish between individual contributions during legislative debates and resolutions formally adopted by the chamber.
He said the public should assess the Senate’s work based on its final legislative decisions rather than isolated remarks made during deliberations.
The controversy has drawn attention to the importance of religious sensitivity in public discussions, particularly when lawmakers address subjects involving suicide prevention, faith and national cohesion.
