The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a strong warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, declaring that any attempt to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties amounts to a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and binding human rights obligations.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended for six months on March 6, formally notified the National Assembly that her suspension lapsed on September 4 and indicated readiness to return to the chamber.
In a statement on Tuesday, SERAP dismissed any justification for barring her resumption, stressing that no law in Nigeria supports such action even where cases remain pending in court. The group described the continued obstruction as a travesty of justice that undermines the rule of law.
The organisation further demanded that the senator be paid her salaries and allowances for the entire period of suspension, noting that anything less would amount to an abuse of legislative power.
SERAP also called on senators to respect political expression rather than punish dissent, insisting that democratic institutions should safeguard rights and freedoms.
The group warned that attempts to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
