SERAP Demands Apology as Senate Unseals Senator Natasha’s Office After Controversial Suspension

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has welcomed the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Nigerian Senate, while demanding a public apology from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership for what it described as a blatant violation of her human rights.

In its statement, SERAP condemned the suspension, arguing that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was unjustly penalised for peacefully exercising her constitutionally guaranteed rights.

“She should never have been suspended in the first place simply for peacefully exercising her human rights,” SERAP said. “The Senate must publicly apologise to Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan and her Kogi Central constituents for the unlawful action that deprived them of effective representation.”

SERAP further called on Senate President Akpabio to ensure that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is fully paid all her outstanding salaries and allowances accrued during the period of her suspension.

The organisation also demanded that the Senate commit to guarantees of non-recurrence, urging it to uphold and respect the human rights of all its members regardless of political or ideological differences.

“No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’,” the statement continued. “Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.”

SERAP warned that the Senate must set a standard by defending the rule of law and promoting democratic values, especially freedom of speech, rather than silencing dissent.

“A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech,” SERAP said, “and an even higher threshold is required when such speech is directed at government officials, including members of the Senate.”

The Senate had unsealed the office of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday and allowed her access to the premises in preparation for her return in October when the Senate resumes.