Uphold constitution, reinstate Natasha without delay – SERAP tells Nigerian Senate

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged the Nigerian Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume legislative duties.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday.

SERAP said the Kogi Central lawmaker’s suspension, which started in March, has ended and should not be extended under any pretext.

“There is no law in Nigeria that prevents the resumption of her legislative duties pending the hearing and determination of the case(s) in court. This travesty of justice must end,” it said.

The organization accused the Senate of using pending court cases as an excuse to bar Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return.

It warned that such an action undermined the rule of law, stressing that the senator, who had formally notified the Clerk of the National Assembly of her intention to resume on September 4, must be allowed back to the chamber.

The rights group also demanded the immediate payment of all her outstanding salaries and allowances for the duration of the suspension.