The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the decision as “unlawful” and a violation of her fundamental rights.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week after being accused of “speaking without permission” and refusing to sit in a newly assigned seat in the Senate chamber. The suspension was accompanied by financial penalties, including the withholding of her salary and allowances, as well as restrictions preventing her from identifying herself as a senator.
In an open letter dated 8 March 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Senate President to reverse the suspension or face legal action.
“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 stated.
SERAP argued that the Senate’s actions violate constitutional and internationally recognised rights to freedom of expression. The organisation cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asserting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was not only excessive but also unlawful.
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights, not suppressing them,” Oluwadare stated.
The group further contended that the decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan undermines the right of her constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District to proper political representation.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has severely restricted the ability of the people in her constituency to participate in governance,” the letter read.
SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent future suppression of free speech among lawmakers. It warned that failure to reverse the suspension would leave the organisation with no choice but to seek legal redress.
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 should not and cannot override Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself,” SERAP insisted. “Any restriction on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.”
The organisation’s statement, titled “Rescind Unlawful Suspension of Natasha Akpoti or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells Akpabio,” underscores its commitment to holding the Senate accountable for what it deems an unjust act.
