The general overseer of the Victory Life Bible Church, Lawrence Achudume, made the appeal during a thanksgiving service in Abeokuta to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He described the proposed legislation as a dangerous move that could lead to the loss of unborn lives across the state. Mr. Achudume received information about the bill from contacts in the United States and a Christian leader from Plateau State.
Mr. Achudume subsequently contacted the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, which prepared a formal letter appealing to Governor Abiodun to withhold his assent. He believes the governor, known for loving children and humanity, should reject the proposal to protect human lives. Nigeria has experienced significant bloodshed, and Mr. Achudume thinks it should not support policies that could lead to further loss of innocent lives.
The Ogun House of Assembly passed the bill on September 24, aiming to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, promote safe motherhood and reproductive health rights, and establish conditions for safe pregnancy termination under specified legal indications. The bill, titled "H.B. No. 036/OG/2026 – Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Law, 2026," was adopted by lawmakers after the presentation of the House Committee on Health's report.
The speaker of the House, Oludaisi Elemide, directed that a clean copy of the bill be transmitted to Governor Abiodun for his official assent. Mr. Achudume commended the governor's administration, noting that Ogun has remained free from acts of terrorism due to the government's peaceful disposition. He urged Governor Abiodun to safeguard his administration's legacy by ensuring the state does not legalize actions that facilitate the termination of unborn children.
The cleric's appeal is based on his concerns about the potential consequences of the bill, which he believes could encourage abortion and lead to the loss of unborn lives. He thinks Governor Abiodun should prioritize protecting human lives and reject the proposal. The governor's decision will be crucial in determining the fate of the bill.
Governor Abiodun's administration has been commended for maintaining peace in Ogun State. Mr. Achudume's appeal to the governor is part of a broader debate about the proposed legislation and its potential implications. The Christian Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders have been involved in discussions about the bill.
The fate of the pregnancy termination bill now rests with Governor Abiodun, who must decide whether to assent to or reject it. The governor's decision will have significant implications for the people of Ogun State, particularly women and unborn children.
Key points
- A cleric has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to reject a pregnancy termination bill, citing concerns about the potential loss of unborn lives.
- The Ogun House of Assembly passed the bill to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, promote safe motherhood, and establish conditions for safe pregnancy termination.
- The governor's decision on the bill will have significant implications for the people of Ogun State.
