The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s President Godswill Akpabio to reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan within 48 hours or face legal action.
The organisation argues that her suspension violates her constitutional and internationally recognised right to freedom of expression.
SERAP is also calling for the immediate reinstatement of Akpoti-Uduaghan and a review of parliamentary rules that limit senators’ fundamental rights.
The Senate recently suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, allegedly for speaking without permission and refusing to accept a new seat in the chamber. As a result, she has been denied her salary and allowances and is barred from representing herself as a senator.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that no senator should be punished for expressing their views. He emphasised that the Senate should protect fundamental rights rather than suppress them.
SERAP warned that if its demands are not met within the deadline, it will take legal action in the public interest.
“Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest,” the statement partly reads.
The group also stressed that the suspension undermines the political participation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, violating both national and international laws.
