The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
SERAP described it as “patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
Natasha was suspended for six months last week following allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to occupy her new seat in the Senate chamber.
Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that it would pursue legal action if the Senate President fails to comply within 48 hours.
The letter emphasised that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.”
SERAP argued that the suspension infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally and internationally recognised right to freedom of expression. Citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the organisation maintained that the Senate’s action is both “unlawful and disproportionate.”
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out,” Oluwadare stated.
The organisation also criticised the Senate for undermining the right of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District to effective political representation.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her constituency to participate in their own government,” the letter read.
SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent undue restrictions on freedom of expression.
The organisation warned that failure to act promptly would leave it with no option but to seek judicial intervention.
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself,” SERAP argued, stressing that any restrictions on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
