By Bukola Kayode
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
SERAP described it as “patently unlawful” and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months.
The decision followed the adoption of recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found the Kogi lawmaker guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before the committee.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly complex.
Her office would also be locked, and her legislative aides would not receive their salaries during this period. The Senate further ruled out reconsidering her suspension until the six-month term ends or she submits a formal apology.
SERAP in a statement titled “Rescind Unlawful Suspension of Natasha Akpoti or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells Akpabio,” asked the Senate to reverse its decision.
SERAP opined that the suspension infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally and internationally recognised right to freedom of expression. Citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the organisation maintained that the Senate’s action is both “unlawful and disproportionate.”
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out,” the statement read.
The organisation also criticised the Senate for undermining the right of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District to effective political representation.
“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,” the statement further read.
SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and amend its standing orders to prevent undue restrictions on freedom of expression.
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