SERAP Sues Akpabio Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over “the failure to reverse the patently unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the purported suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression.”

Recall that the Senate on March 6 suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after a heated confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangement, which she claimed was designed to undermine her.

Tensions intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan, on national television, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.

She was eventually suspended for misconduct after she presented a formal petition to the Senate and failed to appear before the Senate committee on ethics and privileges.

The Senate ordered that her salary and allowances be withheld for the duration of the suspension, and barred her from identifying herself as a senator.

In a statement on Sunday, SERAP Deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare stated that the group sued Akpabio on behalf of all members of the Senate.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”

SERAP is also seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation.”

SERAP urged the court to grant the application, stating that it would be in the public interest and in turn promote respect for the rights of everyone in the National Assembly.

“Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out,” the group said.

“The right to express one’s opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment,” they added.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

SERAP Sues Akpabio Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension is first published on The Whistler Newspaper