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. SERAP described the suspension as
“patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
The suspension was handed down last week following allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to
occupy her new seat in the Senate chamber. Natasha’s salary and allowances have also been withheld for the
duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.
In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, warned that the organization
would pursue legal action if the Senate President fails to comply within 48 hours.
The letter 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.”
SERAP argued that the suspension infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally and internationally recognized
right to freedom of expression. The organization maintained that the Senate’s action is both “unlawful and
disproportionate.”
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The organization also criticized the Senate for undermining the right of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District
to effective political representation.
SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent undue restrictions
on freedom of expression.
The organization warned that failure to act promptly would leave it with no option but to seek judicial intervention.
