SERAP Condemns Senator Natasha’s Suspension, Calls for Reversal
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it “patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has been urged to reverse the suspension immediately, or face legal action.
According to reports, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months following allegations of “speaking without permission” and refusing to occupy her new seat in the Senate chamber.
Her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.
In an open letter, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’.” He argued that the suspension infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.
The suspension is a clear violation of Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. SERAP has stressed that the Senate’s action is both “unlawful and disproportionate.”
The suspension has restricted the ability of the residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District to participate in their own government. This undermines the democratic representation that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was elected to provide.
SERAP has urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent undue restrictions on freedom of expression. Failure to act promptly will lead to judicial intervention.
