By Adenike Lawal
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension as unlawful and a violation of her right to free expression.
In an open letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, SERAP warned that failure to reverse the suspension within 48 hours would result in legal action against him and the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended over allegations of speaking without permission and refusing to occupy her designated seat during Senate proceedings.
The suspension bars her from receiving salaries or allowances and from representing herself as a senator.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, argued that punishing the senator for voicing her opinion is an abuse of power that could intimidate other lawmakers and restrict their right to free speech.
The organization stressed that Senate Standing Orders must align with constitutional and international human rights standards, citing Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“No senator should face reprisals for exercising their right to free expression,” SERAP stated.
The group insists that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension not only silences her but also disenfranchises her constituents. They urged the Senate to act as a defender of democracy, not a suppressor of dissent.
