The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has condemned the Nigerian Senate’s decision to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension period.
In a statement released on Tuesday, SERAP described the Senate’s action as contrary to fundamental rule of law principles, arguing that no Nigerian law prohibits the Kogi Central lawmaker from returning to her duties while court proceedings remain pending.
The civil rights organization called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the entire Senate to honor Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s formal notification to the National Assembly clerk expressing her intention to resume duties on September 4, which she identified as the official end of her suspension period.
SERAP characterized the continued punishment of the senator as unacceptable, stating that she is being penalized solely for exercising her constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression. The organization demanded that the Senate not only allow her immediate return but also compensate her with salary and allowances for the entire suspension duration.
The rights group emphasized that using pending court cases as justification for preventing the senator’s return represents a fundamental violation of rule of law principles. SERAP argued that no legal provision exists in Nigeria that would prevent resumption of legislative duties while court matters await resolution.
According to the organization’s statement, the Senate’s actions constitute “a blatant disregard of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]” and violate Nigeria’s international human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
SERAP criticized the concept of punishing anyone for “speaking without permission,” emphasizing that senatorial status does not strip Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The organization argued that the Senate should demonstrate leadership in upholding rule of law and protecting human rights rather than suppressing them.
The statement noted that political speech deserves higher tolerance levels, particularly when directed toward government officials including Senate members, and that legislative bodies should set positive examples in rights protection.
However, the Senate has rejected the senator’s request to return to legislative activities. In a letter signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly Yahaya Danzaria, Senate leadership maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension remains in effect until the Court of Appeal issues a ruling on her case.
The standoff continues despite Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team communicating plans for her to resume plenary sessions when the Senate reconvenes on September 23. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the suspended lawmaker and Senate leadership, with civil society organizations now entering the fray to advocate for her constitutional rights.
The situation has created a constitutional impasse that raises broader questions about legislative discipline, separation of powers, and the protection of fundamental rights within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
