By Abiola Olawale
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, demanding the immediate reversal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension or face legal consequences.
The organization described the suspension as “unlawful” and a direct assault on the senator’s right to free expression.
In a statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation accused the Senate of overstepping constitutional boundaries by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State at the Senate, for allegedly speaking out of turn during a session.
The group argued that the punishment, which includes a six-month suspension and a ban on her official duties, violates democratic principles and sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent within the legislative chamber.
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out,” Oluwadare stated.
SERAP further called on the Senate to amend its standing orders to align with constitutional provisions that protect free speech, warning that such punitive measures could erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
It would be recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week following allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to occupy her new seat in the Senate chamber.
Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension.
