The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or face legal action.
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP argued that the suspension was based solely on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s peaceful exercise of her constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.
“The Senate should immediately reinstate Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan and revise parliamentary procedures that unduly restrict senators’ human rights,” SERAP stated.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization stressed that “no one should ever be punished for speaking without permission.”
SERAP insisted that being a senator does not deprive Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights, not violating them,” the letter read.
SERAP argued that the suspension was unnecessary and disproportionate, warning that it could discourage other senators from freely expressing themselves.
The organization maintained that the grounds cited by the Senate appeared to be a pretext to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan and restrict her fundamental rights.
“Suspending Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression undermines not only her rights but also the right of her constituency to political participation,” SERAP added.
SERAP gave the Senate President 48 hours to reverse the suspension, warning that it would take legal action if no action was taken.
“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest,” the letter stated.
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