The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the decision as unlawful and an attack on free speech.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that failure to reverse the suspension within 48 hours would result in legal action against the Senate leadership.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week over allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to take a newly assigned seat in the Senate chamber. In addition to her suspension, her salary and allowances were withheld, and she was barred from identifying herself as a senator.
SERAP condemned the Senate’s action as a violation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights, citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“No one should be punished for exercising their right to freedom of expression. The Senate should uphold democratic values, not suppress them,” Oluwadare stated.
The group also argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension undermines the political representation of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, restricting their ability to participate in governance.
“This suspension does not only violate the senator’s rights but also disenfranchises her constituents, denying them representation in national affairs,” the letter read.
SERAP urged the Senate to revise its Standing Orders to prevent further infringements on free speech and democratic participation.
The organisation maintained that any restrictions on a senator’s right to speak must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, warning that if Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is not overturned, it will seek redress in court.
