News From Nigeria
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President Mr Godswill Akpabio to “immediately rescind the patently unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the purported suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.”
SERAP said, “The Senate should immediately reinstate Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, and revise parliamentary procedures that unduly restrict senators’ human rights.”
The Senate last week suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly ‘spoke without permission’ and ‘refused her new seat in the upper legislative chamber.’ Her salary and allowances will not be paid for the duration of the suspension and she was banned from representing herself as a senator.
In the open letter dated 8 March 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.”
SERAP said, “The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out.”
According to SERAP, “Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights.”
SERAP also said, “Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights.”
The letter, read in part, “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“Any application of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 by the Senate must conform with constitutional and international human rights norms and standards relating to freedom of expression and should not jeopardise the right itself.”
“Suspending Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression has made her opinion in the Senate ineffective.”
“No member of the Senate should suffer any consequences for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression. A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate.”
“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation.”
“Given the impracticality of direct participation of all citizens, article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that a citizen shall exercise political power either directly or through freely chosen representatives.”
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government. The suspension therefore constitutes a violation of article 13 provisions.”
“The Senate has the obligations to uphold the rule of law and the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’”
“Under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: ‘1. Every individual shall have the right to receive information. 2. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.’”
“Article 9 (1) and (2) are substantively similar because the right ‘to receive information’ is derived from the ‘right to express and disseminate’ one’s opinions.”
“The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, in Principle II (2) provides that ‘any restrictions on freedom of expression shall be provided for by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary and in a democratic society’.”
“Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.’”
“The right to express one’s opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment.”
“The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental individual human right which is also a cornerstone of democracy and a means of ensuring the respect for all human rights and freedoms.”
“The Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has stressed that any limitations or restrictions to freedom of expression should be applied strictly so that they do ‘not put in jeopardy the right itself.’”
“Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senate’s obligations to respect and ensure ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing.”
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“According to our information, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently suspended for allegedly speaking without permission. She was also accused of “persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 and gross indiscipline.”
“Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules including repeated violations of legislative decorum, such as allegedly speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures and refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, and an act of open defiance.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
9/03/2025
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Abuja, the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is now aglow.
The smart leaf solar streetlight was installed in the Federal Capital Territory last week.
‘’The smart leaf solar streetlight has changed outdoor lighting in Abuja, particularly the Airport roundabout’’ a statement Friday said.
The statement issued by the Managing Director of Akogate Group, Mr. Felix Aganbi, stressed the efforts of the company to brighten Nigeria through high quality customized solar solutions.
Aganbi said the company got franchise from the SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited, the most professional and reliable solar LED lights manufacturer in the global market in 2025.
‘’Jinhua SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited is a Zhejiang based enterprise specialized in supplying solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind & solar hybrid lights, small & medium solar generating system, solar home lighting system and solar pump system’’.
He emphasized the gains of alternative sources of electricity supply, the features, benefits, and applications of Smart Leaf solar streetlights as well as the desire of Akogate Engineers to light all the streets in the country.
He explained that streetlight was one of the priorities of the current administration.
‘’We supply high quality solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind and solar hybrid lights, mobile solar lights towers and solar pump system’’
He also stressed on facilities for catching the rays of the sun and converting their energy to electrical power.
‘’Smart Leaf solar streetlights integrate advanced technology with sustainable design to offer superior performance and reliability in urban and rural settings.
Aganbi explained how these innovative lights leverage smart technology to optimize energy usage, enhance illumination, and improve overall functionality.
Youths in Kogi State on Sunday described the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as crude and peremptory.
‘’The 10th Senate is heading in the wrong direction’’
They also reminded the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio of the dignity of his office.
In a statement to the press, the youths asked supporters of the Senate President not to drag down the reputation of the country.
They applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for refusing to do things which galled her sense of decency, marital status and political height.
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Central Youth Movement, Alhaji Mustapha Jato in Abuja tasked President Bola Tinubu on gender reforms in Nigeria.
It praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for touching and galvanizing the good people of Nigeria, especially Kogi Central.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a woman of charm and faith. She is also a hardworking, energetic woman and well respected by the people because of her genuine interest in their progress’’
The youths spoke well of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative, thoroughness and seriousness of purpose.
They scolded a former aide to Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno Omokri and his co-travellers for deviating from the truth.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an upright woman’’
The youths said those behind the campaign of calumny against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were lily-livered politicians out to cause disaffection in the country.
They lauded decent Nigerians for supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan and speaking out against an absurd action.
The youths urged political office holders in the country to maintain certain standards of behavior, character and morality.
They advised hired hoodlums, sly and shifty individuals not to mislead Akpabio about troubling feud with Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The statement emphasized truth, justice, poise and endurance.
It also denounced philandering, trivialization of allegations, back-biting and breaking of ranks.
Stolle: we are taking the right steps to strengthen our presence in the region.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is reinforcing its regional expansion strategy, aiming to solidify its presence across West Africa’s construction sector.
Speaking at the Choiseul Africa Summit in Cotonou, Benin Republic, the company’s Director of Corporate Development, Jochen Stolle, expressed confidence in Julius Berger’s growing footprint in the region.
“I see Julius Berger as one of the big players coming out of this region in the future,” he said.
At the Sofitel Marina Hotel & Spa in Cotonou, where West Africa’s movers and shakers gathered under the coastal sun, conversations weren’t just exchanged—they carried weight with more than 350 economic minds, government leaders, and industry decision-makers meeting for the Choiseul Africa Summit convened by the Choiseul Institute. It was a space to build partnerships, shape new economic strategies, and set the pace for regional growth. With the Government of Benin actively supporting the event, Julius Berger co-sponsored the summit, positioning itself at the heart of discussions on the region’s infrastructure and economic future.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines, Stolle underscored the importance of Julius Berger’s presence at the summit. “The sponsorship for Julius Berger is very important. We attended this conference last year, and now it is coming to Benin Republic. It is a story that we have to pick up. Let us interact with other agencies, let us interact with other government bodies in all the West African countries that are in the focus of Julius Berger. Let us do the first step here, introduce us to the people, and develop anything that is coming out of it.”
He highlighted the advantages of doing business in Francophone West Africa, emphasizing economic stability and shared currency benefits. “I think the Francophone region of Africa has the greatest advantage; they have the common currency; they have a stable currency. This will also give Julius Berger the trust and the face is good development in this region.”
President of Choiseul Africa, Pascal Lorot, underscored Benin’s rising profile in the region, stating, “Benin today embodies an ambitious Africa that is firmly focused on the future. With its stability, modern infrastructure, and strategic positioning, it stands out as a market of opportunities and expertise, as well as a key hub for regional economic exchanges. Hosting the Choiseul Africa Summit in Cotonou is a recognition of Benin’s central role in driving growth and fostering cooperation in West Africa.”
Adding his perspective, Julius Berger’s Regional Representative in Cotonou, Christophe Fierens, echoed the importance of the summit. “With over 10 years of expertise, Choiseul Africa has been instrumental in highlighting attractive economic hubs across the African continent. The host country, Benin Republic, which is undergoing a remarkable transformation, has now established itself as an attractive hub for investors and a key player in regional trade,” he said.
On Julius Berger’s operations in Benin, Fierens noted key differences from Nigeria. “Operating in Benin has required a shift in approach,” Fierens said. “As a company with strong roots in Nigeria, we’ve had to adapt to the nuances of the Francophone business environment—navigating regulatory processes, understanding administrative expectations, and ensuring seamless operations. We’ve gained valuable insights and are now fully aligned with how things work here.”
Reflecting on the company’s adaptation process, Fierens said that Julius Berger had navigated these challenges through experience. “With the second project now being undertaken, things are getting better. We now know what to do, what not to do. The feedback has been valuable. Julius Berger originates from Germany in the 1900s, and since then, we have had very strict and rigorous procedures.”
He emphasized that the company is setting new benchmarks in the country. “I believe we are helping to raise standards, especially in this regard. The reputation we have built is very strong. Many people now want to work with us, and now that the project has started, we are visible everywhere in Benin. This brings a significant advantage for other projects as well. Another thing is that the country is very welcoming. The local workforce we find here is of good quality.”
Speaking earlier, Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni, stated: “this summit is fully aligned with our ambition for the structural transformation of Benin, driven by world-class infrastructure and major initiatives that are redefining economic paradigms across all key sectors. This event provides an opportunity to share our vision of inclusive, innovative, and sustainable development while strengthening Benin’s strategic role at the heart of regional and international exchanges.”
The Choiseul Africa network consists of over 450 members, including 100 Africa laureates and alumni, spanning 51 of the 54 African countries.