Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended himself against allegations of denigrating Islam, saying he has supported Muslims and Christians alike, including sponsoring thousands of pilgrims to holy sites over the years.

Akpabio said he sponsored 5,800 Muslims to Mecca during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, while more than 10,000 Christians were sponsored to Rome and Jerusalem.

The Senate President spoke on Thursday while addressing concerns over comments he made during Tuesday’s plenary debate on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.

Akpabio had referred to the belief that seven virgins awaited some people in the afterlife while discussing the motivations attributed to individuals who engage in suicide attacks.

His remarks triggered criticism from some commentators, who accused him of disparaging Muslims.

Clarifying his position, Akpabio said his comments had been misrepresented by political detractors seeking to create hostility between him and the Muslim community.

He explained that his remarks were made in the context of a debate on suicide and terrorism, insisting that his intention was not to attack any religion.

“Terrorists are not Muslims. Terrorists are not Christians. Terrorists are human beings who believe in taking their lives and the lives of others,” he said.

Akpabio maintained that Islam prohibits suicide and the killing of innocent people, adding that Christianity also forbids suicide.

He argued that discussions in the Senate should not be taken out of context or used to create religious divisions, particularly during a politically charged period.

The Senate President also stressed the need to distinguish between people experiencing mental health challenges and individuals who deliberately take their own lives or those of others.

According to him, lawmakers must be able to debate issues, disagree and support opposing positions while working towards making sound laws for the country.

Citing his personal relationships and record of religious inclusion, Akpabio said Muslims occupy prominent positions among his staff and associates.

He disclosed that his aide-de-camp had been a Muslim for 19 years and described him as a brother rather than defining their relationship by religious differences.

He also said more than 65 per cent of his staff members were Muslims, adding that he had no reason to speak negatively about Islam.

“There’s no way I will talk down on Muslim religion,” he said.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to avoid misinterpreting legislative debates and turning them into religious controversies, maintaining that his comments were intended to address the issues surrounding suicide and terrorism rather than disparage any faith.