SERAP Urges Senate President Akpabio to Reverse Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension, Citing Unlawful Violation of Free Speech and Threatening Legal Action
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it “patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week over allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to occupy a new seat in the Senate chamber. Her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been barred from identifying as a senator.
In a March 8 open letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that it would pursue legal action if the suspension is not reversed within 48 hours. The group cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, arguing that the Senate’s action is both unlawful and disproportionate.
“The Senate should be upholding the rule of law, not suppressing fundamental rights,” SERAP stated, adding that the suspension also denies Kogi Central constituents effective political representation.
SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to protect free speech, warning that failure to act would lead to legal intervention.
Follow News Review on Facebook and X
 has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it “patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.){kind=link}