- HEDA Takes NASS to Court Over Constitutional Breach
- Saraki Urges Senate to Uphold Due Process
- Akeredolu’s Widow Calls for Women’s Courage
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio to lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) or face legal action. The organization described the suspension as unlawful, arguing that it violated her constitutional and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.
Similarly, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has filed a lawsuit against the National Assembly at the Federal High Court in Lagos, citing a breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki criticized Akpabio’s claims that calls for transparency in handling allegations against him were an attempt to oust a Niger Deltan from office. Saraki dismissed this as “cheap politics” and urged the Senate to treat such matters with the seriousness they deserve.
Meanwhile, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late Ondo State governor, encouraged women to be bold, commending Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage.
Last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she allegedly spoke without permission and refused to accept a reassigned seat in the chamber. During this period, she will not receive her salary or allowances and is barred from presenting herself as a senator.
In an open letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP insisted that no lawmaker should be penalized for “speaking without permission.” The organization emphasized that being a senator does not strip Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental rights.
“The Senate should set an example by upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights, not suppressing them,” SERAP stated.
The group demanded that the Senate reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan within 48 hours of receiving or publishing the letter, warning of legal consequences if the suspension stands. SERAP also argued that silencing the senator could have a chilling effect on other lawmakers’ ability to speak freely and fulfill their legislative duties.
HEDA’s lawsuit, filed under case number FHC/L/CS/286/25 by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Fumilayo Falana, seeks a judicial interpretation of Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Constitution. The group argues that the National Assembly has repeatedly summoned private individuals and corporate representatives without following due process, violating constitutional limits on its investigative powers.
In its originating summons, HEDA requested the court to determine whether, under Section 88(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly can initiate investigations without a formal resolution published in its journal or the official gazette of the federal government.
The group also sought a perpetual injunction restraining lawmakers from summoning private citizens and corporate representatives for investigations without constitutional authority.
In a supporting affidavit, HEDA’s Communication Officer, Nurudeen Salako, noted that such invitations have become increasingly frequent, exceeding the National Assembly’s constitutional powers.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his media head, Yusuph Olaniyonu, dismissed Akpabio’s claims that critics were targeting him due to his Niger Delta origin. He urged the Senate President to reread his own March 1, 2025, press statement, clarifying that at no point did he call for Akpabio’s resignation.
Rather, Saraki advised Akpabio to ensure that allegations against him were thoroughly investigated and resolved transparently to maintain the Senate’s credibility.
“The Senate President must not politicize or trivialize this issue. This is about the integrity of the legislature, not personal or regional politics,” Saraki said.
He warned against creating the impression that the Senate was covering up allegations related to sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office.
Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day 2025 in Ibadan, themed “Accelerated Action,” former Ondo First Lady Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu emphasized the need for more women in legislative positions.
She expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, noting that it was particularly disheartening given the already limited number of female senators.
“That Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is a woman and has shown courage means her constituency has expanded to include all Nigerian women,” she said.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu urged young women to pursue education and financial independence, stressing that greater female representation in government would lead to a brighter future.
