By Chinedum Treasure
Labour Party senatorial candidate for Anambra Central in the 2027 general election, Ven. Tochukwu Ikezue, has urged Senator Victor Umeh and other Southeast senators to reject the proposed decriminalisation of attempted suicide in its present form.
Ikezue described the proposal as “half-baked and dangerous,” arguing that although people who attempt suicide should not be imprisoned, decriminalisation must be backed by adequate mental health services and social support.
In a statement, the cleric called for the repeal of the one-year imprisonment provision for attempted suicide, describing it as archaic and inhumane.
He proposed a Care and Treatment Law to ensure that suicide attempt survivors receive mental health evaluations, counselling, family support and empowerment programmes.
Ikezue also advocated a Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Funding Bill to establish mental health support desks across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Expressing concern over the country’s inadequate mental health infrastructure, he warned that removing criminal penalties without providing effective support systems could leave vulnerable Nigerians without necessary care.
“We cannot copy Western freedom without copying Western responsibility,” he said, urging lawmakers to prioritise compassion and access to treatment.
He called on Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, and other Southeast senators to support an approach centred on care and treatment rather than imprisonment.
Tags: Tochukwu Ikezue, Victor Umeh, Mental Health, Anambra Politics
