The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose six-month suspension expired on September 4.
In a statement posted on X page on Tuesday, SERAP argued that the Senate’s continued prevention of her from resuming her legislative duties is a “blatant disregard” for the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.
The Port City News earlier reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s sitting arrangement during the plenary session on 20 February.
The human rights advocacy group insisted that the pending court case(s) against Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot be used as a pretext to deny her the right to perform her duties.
SERAP’s statement emphasised that no law in Nigeria permits the indefinite suspension of a lawmaker while a case is being heard in court.
Also see: “Your Return Contingent on Court Ruling” – Senate to Natasha
The organisation condemned the Senate’s action as a “travesty of justice” and a form of punishment for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental right to freedom of expression.
SERAP also demanded that the Senate pay the lawmaker’s salary and allowances for the duration of her suspension.
The group highlighted that suspending an elected representative for their expression undermines the very essence of a democratic society and infringes upon the right of her constituents in the Kogi Central Senatorial District to effective representation.
SERAP maintained that the Senate should be an institution that upholds the rule of law and protects fundamental human rights, not one that suppresses them.
The group noted that a higher degree of tolerance is expected when it comes to political speech, especially when directed at government officials.
