SERAP Demands Immediate Reversal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemning it as a violation of her fundamental right to freedom of expression.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week over allegations of "speaking without permission" and refusing to relocate to her newly assigned seat in the Senate chamber. As part of the sanctions, her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been barred from identifying as a senator.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP criticized the suspension as "patently unlawful." The organization warned that if the Senate President fails to reverse the decision within 48 hours, it will take legal action to challenge the move.
The letter further emphasized that no senator should face punishment for exercising their right to speak freely. "Being a senator does not strip Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights," SERAP stated.
A statement released on Sunday, titled “Rescind Unlawful Suspension of Natasha Akpoti or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells Akpabio,” reinforced the organization’s demand, stressing the need to uphold democratic principles and protect lawmakers from unjust political reprisals.
