SERAP drags Akpabio to Court over Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what it describes as the “unlawful suspension” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The rights group argues that the suspension violates her right to freedom of expression.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently suspended for six months after allegedly speaking without permission and refusing to accept a new seat in the Senate chamber. Alongside her suspension, her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been barred from identifying as a senator.

In a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order to compel Akpabio to revoke her suspension and restore her full legislative rights and privileges. The group is also asking for a perpetual injunction to prevent the Senate from taking disciplinary action against her for exercising her fundamental rights.

SERAP contends that applying Senate Standing Orders to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan is unconstitutional and denies her constituents their right to political representation. “Granting this application would serve the public interest and promote respect for the rights of everyone in the National Assembly,” the suit argues.

The rights group further insists that no senator should be punished for “speaking without permission,” stating, “Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.” SERAP warns that her suspension could create a chilling effect on free speech among lawmakers.

According to the lawsuit, the suspension undermines her constituents’ right to participate in governance and violates Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations. SERAP cites section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as legal grounds against her suspension.

The case, filed by SERAP’s legal team led by Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, emphasizes that freedom of expression is crucial for democracy and should not be restricted by Senate rules. No date has been set for the hearing of the suit.