Failure to reverse Natasha’s suspension within 48 hours will result in legal battle, SERAP warns Akpabio

Oladipupo Olamiposi
@olamiposioladipupo247606
23 days ago

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has called on the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately reverse the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This is as the group described the suspension as unlawful and a violation of her right to freedom of expression.

In an open letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that it would pursue legal action if the Senate President fails to comply within 48 hours.

Arguing that the suspension trespasses on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression, Oluwadare cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He stated that the Red Chamber should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out.

Stressing that any restrictions on free speech must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, Oluwadare added that the Senate Standing Orders 2023 should not and cannot set aside Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself.

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