Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension should be immediately lifted, according to a request from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project. It was “patently unlawful,” according to SERAP, and a breach of her right to free speech. After being accused of “speaking without permission” and refusing to take up her new position in the Senate chamber, Natasha was suspended for six months last week.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
During the suspension, she has also been prohibited from identifying herself as a senator and her pay and benefits have been withdrawn. SERAP threatened to take legal action if the Senate President would not cooperate within 48 hours in an open letter dated March 8, 2025, signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization’s deputy director.
“No one should ever be punished for’speaking without permission,'” the letter emphasized. Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan is not denied her basic human rights because she is a senator. This was revealed in a statement released on Sunday with the heading “SERAP Tells Akpabio to Rescind Unlawful Suspension of Natasha Akpoti or Face Legal Action.”
Citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, SERP contended that the suspension violates Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression, calling the Senate’s action “unlawful and disproportionate.”
Oluwadare said, “The Senate should be leading by example by promoting and protecting fundamental human rights and upholding the rule of law, not suppressing them.” The Senate was also criticized by the group for compromising the Kogi Central Senatorial District residents’ right to adequate political representation. According to the letter, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has severely limited and weakened the ability of the people living in her constituency to engage in their own governance.”
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 should not and cannot set aside Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself,” SERAP argued, emphasizing that any restrictions on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. The organization warned that if it does not act quickly, it will be forced to seek judicial intervention. SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent undue restrictions on freedom of expression.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
