The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong demand to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling for the immediate reversal of the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The organization also condemned the decision as “patently unlawful” and a blatant violation of her constitutional right to freedom of expression.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and reform its parliamentary procedures to align with constitutional and international human rights standards.
The advocacy group warned that failure to comply within 48 hours would lead to legal action against the Senate.
A Suspension Under Fire
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended last week for allegedly “speaking without permission” and “refusing her new seat” during a plenary session on February 25, 2025.
The suspension bars her from identifying as a senator, and she will not receive her salary or allowances for the duration of the punishment.
SERAP, however, has dismissed these reasons as a mere excuse to stifle dissent.
“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.
The group further warned that her suspension sets a dangerous precedent, creating a climate of fear within the legislature.
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out,” SERAP declared.
Legal and Democratic Violations
SERAP highlighted multiple legal and constitutional breaches associated with the senator’s suspension.
It cited the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — all of which guarantee freedom of expression and political participation.
The organization emphasized that suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan not only infringes on her rights but also denies her constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District effective representation.
“This unlawful restriction has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and has seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political representation,” SERAP stated.
Moreover, the group stressed that any restrictions on free speech must meet strict legal conditions.
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 cannot override the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the letter affirmed.
48-Hour Ultimatum
SERAP has given the Senate a 48-hour deadline to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, warning that failure to comply would trigger legal action.
“If we have not heard from you within this period, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest,” the letter read.
The organization also called for an end to the use of parliamentary rules as a tool for silencing opposing voices. “Suspending Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression has made her opinion in the Senate ineffective. No senator should suffer any consequences for expressing their views,” it warned.
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