In an open letter dated 8th March 2025 and endorsed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning backed by a 48-hour ultimatum to the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, to rescind the unlawful suspension meted out to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
SERAP vehemently cautioned the Senate President about the legal implications his refusal will spiral into while stating categorically in the letter that no one should ever be punished for โspeaking without permission.โ The organization has also described the Senate’s suspension of Natasha as โpatently unlawfulโ and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
SERAP argued that the suspension infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghanโs constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression. Citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoplesโ Rights, the organization maintained that the Senateโs action is both โunlawful and disproportionate.โ
โThe Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out,โ Oluwadare stated.
SERAP added that:
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her constituency to participate in their own government.โ
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 should not and cannot set aside Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghanโs right to express herself.”
About the Author
