Senate under pressure to reinstate suspended Kogi senator

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Nigerian Senate to end the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that the move violates constitutional guarantees and undermines the rule of law.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March but formally notified the Clerk of the National Assembly of her intention to resume duties on 4 September.

In a statement on Tuesday, SERAP argued that no law prevents her from returning to the chamber while court proceedings are ongoing. “This travesty of justice must end,” the organisation said, accusing the Senate of using litigation as a pretext to keep her out.

The group also called for the immediate payment of all salaries and allowances withheld during her suspension.