The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it “blatantly unlawful” and a violation of her fundamental right to free speech.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week over allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to take her reassigned seat in the Senate chamber. Alongside the suspension, her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been barred from identifying as a senator during this period.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that it would take legal action if the Senate President fails to revoke the suspension within 48 hours.
“No one should ever be punished for expressing themselves,” the letter stated. “Holding a Senate position does not strip Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her constitutional rights.”
SERAP argues that the Senate’s action directly infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally and internationally recognized 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 organization denounced the suspension as both unlawful and disproportionate.
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The Senate should be upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights, not suppressing them,” Oluwadare remarked.
Additionally, SERAP criticized the Senate for denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District effective political representation, stating that the suspension restricts their ability to participate in governance.
SERAP has called on the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent the suppression of free speech in the legislative chamber.
The organization made it clear that failure to act would leave it with no choice but to seek judicial intervention.
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 cannot override Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself,” the letter emphasized, stressing that any limitations on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
With legal consequences looming, all eyes are now on the Senate’s next move.
