The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, is challenging what SERAP describes as an “unlawful” suspension that violates the senator’s fundamental right to freedom of expression.
The Senate had recently suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing her alleged defiance in speaking without permission and refusing to move to her newly assigned seat in the chamber.
As a result, she has been stripped of her salary, allowances, and official recognition as a senator.
SERAP, prominent civil society organization advocating for accountability and human rights, is asking the court to issue a mandamus order compelling Akpabio to reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and restore all her legislative rights, privileges, and entitlements.
The group is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction to prevent the Senate from imposing similar disciplinary actions on her or any other lawmaker for simply exercising their fundamental rights.
According to SERAP, the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to justify the senator’s suspension directly infringes on her rights and deprives her constituents of their political representation.
In its submission to the court, SERAP argued that punishing a senator for “speaking without permission” is an assault on democratic values.
The group maintained that elected representatives should not be penalized for expressing their opinions, as such actions undermine democracy and set a dangerous precedent.
“No one should ever be punished for peacefully expressing their views,” SERAP’s legal team stated.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is disproportionate and unnecessary. It also creates a chilling effect on other lawmakers, discouraging them from freely voicing their opinions for fear of retribution,” the group added.
SERAP also points out that the suspension effectively silences the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, whom Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, denying them their right to political participation.
This, the organization insists, is a violation of Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to participate in government through freely chosen representatives.
SERAP argued that the Senate Standing Orders cannot override constitutional and international human rights protections.
The organization also cited the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, which states that any restriction on free speech must be legally justified and necessary in a democratic society.
“The Senate should set an example by upholding the rule of law and respecting fundamental freedoms, rather than eroding them,” the legal team emphasized.
As of the time of filing this report, no date has been fixed for the entertainment of the case.
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