The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio if the Senate fails to reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which SERAP describes as “unlawful.” In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP argued that the suspension was based solely on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s peaceful exercise of her constitutional and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.
This development follows the Nigerian Senate’s decision on Thursday to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, effective March 6, 2025, over allegations of violating Senate rules. The suspension was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
While announcing the committee’s recommendations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated, “The Senate resolves to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) and for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate into public disrepute.”
Despite efforts by some senators to reduce the suspension period to three months, the majority voted to uphold the six-month suspension. As part of the penalties, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and allowances will be frozen, and her security details withdrawn.
SERAP’s statement emphasized that the suspension undermines democratic principles and the rule of law, calling for its immediate reversal to protect the rights of lawmakers and citizens alike. The organization warned that failure to address the issue would result in legal action to challenge the Senate’s decision.
This incident has sparked debate over the balance between legislative discipline and the protection of fundamental rights, raising concerns about the potential misuse of parliamentary powers to suppress dissent.
