Akpabio Defends Comments, Highlights Support for Pilgrimages

During a plenary session, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, stated that he has sent over 5,000 people to Mecca for prayers, asserting that his comments regarding suicide during the consideration of the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026 were taken out of context. Akpabio's remarks, which suggested that some young people contemplate suicide due to beliefs about the afterlife, drew criticism for allegedly disparaging Muslims.

He clarified that his statements should be viewed within the context of legislative debate and not as attacks on any religious group. Akpabio expressed his love for the Muslim faith and noted his history of sponsoring thousands of Muslims and Christians on religious pilgrimages.

He mentioned that he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims to Mecca and over 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem. He also pointed out that many of his staff members are Muslims, emphasizing mutual respect in his relationships with them.