Senate President Godswill Akpabio has raised eyebrows by speaking out against the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, despite a new bill aiming to offer mental health care and rehabilitation to survivors rather than imprisonment. The proposed legislation, put forward by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, seeks to swap jail terms for medical treatment and social support.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that the APC will dominate the Federal Capital Territory in the 2027 elections. He also admitted working against his own party, the PDP, during the 2024 Edo governorship election and criticised Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal following his defection to the APC.
In a surprising political development, the APC has appointed several non-party governors as campaign coordinators, including Wike for the FCT, Ademola Adeleke for Osun and Chukwuma Soludo for Anambra.
Adeleke’s campaign council has pledged to deliver 1.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027.
Meanwhile, Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo has rejected claims that his recent trip to Israel involved prayers for Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that his prayers focused on preventing election rigging and manipulation.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has questioned the estimated 15 trillion naira cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, urging Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from the Federal Government.
In a major consumer safety operation, NAFDAC has uncovered a facility at Zamfara Plaza in Lagos’ Trade Fair Complex where expired energy drinks and alcoholic beverages were allegedly being repackaged with altered expiry dates. Two suspects have been arrested, and the seized products are to be destroyed.
In entertainment, Nigerian billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi’s son, Geoffrey Ogunlesi, has married celebrity jeweller Jennifer Meyer in Hawaii, with Meyer’s ex-husband, Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire, officiating the ceremony. Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos were among the guests.
Finally, Nigerian music stars Davido, Tems and Asake have submitted their works for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. Davido entered his album Oriadé for Album of the Year, Tems submitted Love Is a Kingdom in the same category and Raindance with Dave for Best African Music Performance, while Asake is seeking recognition for Gratitude. The nominations are scheduled for November 16.
What You Should Know
This news roundup covers major political and social developments across Nigeria, touching on legislative debates, party politics, infrastructure costs, and consumer safety. The discussion surrounding the attempted suicide bill highlights the ongoing national conversation on mental health, punishment, and healthcare reforms.
- Positive Impact: Proposed mental health bills aim to treat survivors with compassion and medical care instead of criminal prosecution, promoting better health awareness.
- Potential Concerns: Disagreements among top political figures on sensitive social issues and heavy government spending projects require close public attention and transparency.
