The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in compliance with a recent court judgment declaring her suspension from the National Assembly unlawful.

In a statement released Tuesday through its official X account, SERAP described the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan as a breach of the Nigerian Constitution and a violation of international human rights commitments.

“The Senate President must immediately obey the court order and ensure a smooth return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate today or any other day of her choosing,” the group stated. “She should never have been suspended in the first place.”

SERAP maintained that the suspension undermined constitutional guarantees and urged the Senate to restore all of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative rights and privileges. It also stressed the importance of legislative compliance with court rulings.

“The Senate should be setting an example by obeying the court order, upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the country’s legal system,” the organisation added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday nullified the six-month suspension placed on Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the action as unconstitutional. Delivering judgment, Justice Binta Nyako held that the suspension lacked due process and exceeded reasonable limits.

The court noted that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such actions must not undermine constituents’ right to representation.

Justice Nyako found that the Senate Standing Rules and relevant sections of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act failed to provide a defined time frame for suspensions and, in this case, resulted in an excessive penalty.

According to the court, the suspension effectively sidelined the lawmaker for nearly the entire 181-day annual legislative calendar, depriving her constituents of representation.