Abuja, Nigeria –
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The six-month suspension, which bars Akpoti-Uduaghan from legislative activities, has drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures.
The decision followed a heated exchange between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio during a plenary session. Reports indicate that tensions escalated when she raised allegations of misconduct against the Senate leadership. Many critics view the suspension as politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP condemned the suspension as an abuse of power and a violation of constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression and democratic participation. The organization demanded an immediate reversal, warning that failure to comply would result in a lawsuit against Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate.
“The arbitrary suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her rights and sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria,” SERAP stated. “The Senate must uphold democratic principles and respect due process instead of using disciplinary actions to silence dissent.”
SERAP has given the Senate a seven-day ultimatum to lift the suspension or face legal action. The group insists that it will pursue the matter in court to ensure lawmakers are not unjustly removed from their duties.
