The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio of impending legal action if the Senate does not immediately revoke the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 9, 2025, SERAP described the suspension as a blatant violation of the senator’s constitutional and international right to free expression.
The Nigerian Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on March 6, 2025, following recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Senate President Akpabio, while reading the committee’s findings, accused her of violating Senate Standing Rules and bringing the legislative body into public disrepute.
Attempts by some senators to reduce the suspension to three months were overruled by a majority vote. The suspension includes a freeze on her salary and allowances, as well as the withdrawal of her security details.
SERAP, in an open letter dated March 8, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, called for the senator’s immediate reinstatement and a review of parliamentary rules that limit lawmakers’ human rights.
The group argued that no senator should be punished for “speaking without permission” and stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension appeared to be an attempt to suppress her right to free speech.
SERAP gave the Senate a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the suspension or face legal action, stating that the decision had also undermined the rights of the residents of Kogi Central, whom Akpoti-Uduaghan represents.
The controversy between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio had been escalating since she accused the Senate President of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his home in December 2023. This, along with a dispute over her assigned seat in the Senate chamber, fueled tensions that eventually led to her suspension.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some defending it as necessary to maintain legislative discipline, while others view it as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
