The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately revoke the “unlawful” six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning of legal action if the decision is not reversed within 48 hours.

In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization stressed that the suspension, which followed accusations of “speaking without permission” and “refusing her new seat,” infringed upon Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression.

“No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights,” the letter stated. SERAP argued that the suspension, grounded solely on her exercise of free speech, “is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate.”

The Senate’s actions, according to SERAP, also violate the rights of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, undermining their ability to participate in government.

“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government,” the letter continued.

The human rights group warned that should the Senate not comply, it would “consider appropriate legal actions” to compel reinstatement and the protection of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights, emphasizing that the Senate’s actions contradict constitutional and international human rights standards.