SERAP described the punishment as excessive and an attempt to silence dissent, asserting that “no law permits penalizing a senator simply for speaking without permission.” The organization stressed that holding public office does not strip individuals of their fundamental human rights.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded the immediate reversal of the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning Senate President Godswill Akpabio of legal consequences if the decision is not rescinded.
In a strongly worded letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP condemned the suspension as unconstitutional and an infringement on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights. The rights group argued that the decision violates her freedom of expression, as enshrined in both national and international legal frameworks.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended last week over allegations of making statements without authorization and refusing to relocate to her reassigned seat in the Senate chamber. As a consequence, she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator, and her salary and allowances have been frozen for the suspension period.
SERAP described the punishment as excessive and an attempt to silence dissent, asserting that “no law permits penalizing a senator simply for speaking without permission.” The organization stressed that holding public office does not strip individuals of their fundamental human rights.
The rights group cited Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, insisting that the Senate’s actions are unlawful and disproportionate.
Furthermore, SERAP criticized the move as a violation of the democratic rights of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, who are now deprived of effective representation in the National Assembly. “By suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate is not only punishing her but also silencing the voices of her constituents,” the statement read.
SERAP has urged the Senate to immediately reinstate the embattled lawmaker and amend its standing orders to prevent similar restrictions on free speech in the future. The group emphasized that legislative rules must align with constitutional and international human rights standards.
“If this unlawful suspension is not reversed within 48 hours, we will have no choice but to take legal action to ensure that the rule of law prevails,” SERAP warned.
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