•Defends religious tolerance, senate debates
Senate President Godswill Akpabio speaks on terrorism, religious tolerance, alleged misrepresentation of Senate debates and his political future, as senators declare support for his return in the 11th National Assembly.
Akpabio spoke while addressing Nigerians through the senators during a plenary on Thursday, and the News Maker Media was there. Excerpts.
Why did you caution Nigerians against misinterpreting Senate debates?
When we discuss issues here, we argue for and against. Whatever we say should not unnecessarily anger people outside this chamber because what matters ultimately is the Senate’s final decision.
What prompted your comments on terrorism during the debate on suicide?
When Distinguished Senator Asuquo introduced a bill on whether suicide should be criminalised or decriminalised, different comments emerged. One senator raised the issue of terrorists who believe killing themselves will earn them paradise and virgins. I want Nigerians to understand the distinction between terrorism and religion.
Do terrorists represent Islam or Christianity?
Terroristsare neither Muslims nor Christians. They are human beings who believe in taking their own lives and the lives of others. We must not associate their actions with an entire religious community.
What is your position on the religious justification for suicide bombing?
The Islam I know forbids suicide and killing. Anyone claiming that suicide bombing guarantees entry into paradise should examine the religious teachings they profess to follow. Terrorism should not be justified in the name of religion.
Does Christianity also prohibit suicide?
I am a Catholic, and Christianity also prohibits suicide. We must distinguish between suicide associated with mental health challenges and deliberate acts of violence against oneself and others. These issues require careful consideration.
What concerns you about television discussions of Senate proceedings?
This is a politically charged period, and I dislike the misinterpretation of our discussions on television panels. We are here to make the best laws for Nigerians. Senators can disagree on issues, but the public should consider the Senate’s final decisions.
Are some commentators deliberately misrepresenting your position for political reasons?People should not use parliamentary debates to damage reputations. They should study the issues and personalities involved, face the truth and discuss matters objectively instead of engaging in politically motivated arguments.
How would you describe your relationship with Muslims?
I respect both Christianity and Islam. As governor, I sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the Holy Land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem. My record demonstrates that I respect people of different religious backgrounds.
You mentioned that many of your former staff members were Muslims. What does that demonstrate?
My ADC served with me for 19 years and is a Muslim from Azare, Bauchi State. My Chief Security Officer is also a Muslim, and more than 65 per cent of my staff members were Muslims. I recognise them as brothers and colleagues, not merely by their religion.
Do you believe the controversy surrounding your remarks has political undertones?
I know that the positions of President and Vice-President are gone, leaving the Senate presidency as a major political office in this context. People should not exploit religious sentiments to damage reputations. We must discuss issues honestly.
Senator Tahir Monguno declared that there would be no vacancy in the Senate presidency in the 11th Assembly. What was his position?Senator Monguno, representing Borno North, declared: “Insha Allah, by the grace of God, the majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy.” He extended the declaration to the office of Deputy Senate President and the principal officers.
Did other senators support Monguno’s declaration?
Senator Cyril Fasuyi of Ekiti North supported the motion, declaring himself a serving senator and an incoming senator in the 11th Assembly. He maintained that the Senate presidency was not open to contest and that the office was already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.
What happened when you put the declaration to a voice vote?
I asked the senators whether the declaration represented their general view. Those in support were asked to say “aye,” while those against were asked to say “nay.”
The ayes were resoundingly loud. When I called for the nays, I remarked that they were not present and concluded: “I think that settles it.”
The exchange reflected the support expressed by participating senators, although the election of presiding officers for the 11th National Assembly remains subject to the applicable constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
