Prominent human rights attorney Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the action as “the height of legislative recklessness” in light of established legal precedents.
In a statement released Sunday, Falana highlighted that Nigerian courts, including the Court of Appeal, have consistently ruled against the practice of suspending elected legislative members. He called for the Senate to immediately reverse its decision, noting that “the Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Ethics Committee from hearing the complaint against the embattled senator pending the determination of the motion on notice.”
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has joined the call for reinstatement, urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to rescind what they termed an “unlawful suspension” that appeared to be “based solely on the peaceful exercise of her constitutionally and internationally recognised right to freedom of expression.”
Last week, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan after she allegedly “spoke without permission” and “refused her new seat in the upper legislative chamber.” The punishment includes withholding her salary and allowances during the suspension period and prohibiting her from identifying herself as a senator.
In a letter dated March 8, 2025, SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasized that “No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.”
The organization further urged the Senate to set an example by upholding rule of law principles rather than suppressing constitutional rights.
In a related development, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has clarified that he never called for Akpabio’s resignation over separate sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Through his media representative Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki disputed Akpabio’s characterization of his earlier statement, maintaining that he had merely advocated for “a transparent and open process” in investigating the allegations.
Saraki specifically refuted Akpabio’s claim, made during a meeting with Niger Delta youth leaders on Friday, that “certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States” were seeking his removal because of his regional background.
The controversy continues to develop as multiple aspects of the situation—including the suspension, harassment allegations, and political implications—remain under public scrutiny.
