KEY POINTS

• SERAP has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling her suspension “patently unlawful” and a violation of her constitutional rights to freedom of expression.
• The suspension, which includes withholding her salary and barring her from identifying as a senator, has left Kogi Central residents without effective representation in the National Assembly.
• SERAP has threatened legal action if the Senate fails to reverse the decision within 48 hours.

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, describing the action as “patently unlawful” and a violation of her fundamental rights.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended for six months after being accused of “speaking without permission” and refusing to occupy her newly assigned Senate seat.

In a strongly worded letter dated March 8, 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, warned that the organization would pursue legal action if the suspension was not rescinded within 48 hours.

The letter emphasized that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’” and stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial status does not strip her of her constitutional rights.

The suspension, which includes withholding her salary and barring her from identifying as a senator, has sparked widespread criticism. SERAP argued that the Senate’s decision violates Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression.

Kogi Central residents left without representation as political tensions escalate

The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has left the residents of Kogi Central without effective representation in the National Assembly. SERAP condemned the move, stating that it “restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her constituency to participate in their own government.” The group also criticized the Senate for failing to uphold democratic values, noting that lawmakers should protect, not suppress, fundamental freedoms.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is the latest in a series of political clashes within the Senate, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.

Critics argue that the action sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissenting voices in the legislature. SERAP has urged the Senate to revise its standing orders to prevent similar infringements on freedom of expression in the future.

The organisation warned that if corrective action is not taken promptly, it will seek judicial intervention to challenge the suspension. “The Senate Standing Orders 2023 should not and cannot set aside Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself,” SERAP stated, adding that any restrictions on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate to maintain democratic accountability.