The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately overturn the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling the action “patently unlawful” and a direct violation of her right to freedom of expression.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week over allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to move to her reassigned seat in the Senate chamber. In addition to her suspension, her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been prohibited from identifying herself as a senator.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that it would take legal action if the Senate President fails to reverse the suspension within 48 hours.
“No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission.’ Being a senator does not strip Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights,” the letter emphasized.
The statement, titled “Rescind Unlawful Suspension of Natasha Akpoti or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells Akpabio,” was released on Sunday.
Violation of Constitutional Rights
SERAP argued that the suspension violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws, particularly Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The organisation described the Senate’s action as “unlawful and disproportionate.”
“The Senate should lead by example in upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights, not suppressing them,” Oluwadare stated.
SERAP also criticised the Senate for depriving the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District of effective representation.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has significantly undermined the ability of her constituents to participate in their own governance,” the letter added.
Legal Action Imminent
SERAP has demanded that the Senate reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and revise its standing orders to prevent future infringements on freedom of expression.
The organisation warned that failure to comply would leave it with no choice but to seek legal redress.
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 cannot override Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional right to express herself,” SERAP asserted, emphasizing that any restrictions on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
