Court Upholds Senate’s Suspension of Natasha Akpoti
Court Upholds Senate’s Suspension of Natasha Akpoti
The Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned its prior ruling that had prevented the Senate from suspending Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a decision on Wednesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu lifted the injunction that had prohibited any disciplinary action against the lawmaker. Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially sought the court’s intervention through an ex-parte motion, requesting a halt to an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, led by Senator Neda Imasuem, over allegations of misconduct.
On March 4, following her request, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order that barred the Senate from suspending her, declaring any actions taken against her during the pendency of the case to be null and void.
However, the Senate ultimately suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months due to alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20. Following this suspension, she filed a contempt charge, claiming that the Senate’s action violated the court’s order.
The Senate, represented by counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the court’s order was vague and encroached on legislative responsibilities, thereby violating the separation of powers doctrine. In contrast, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), contended that the Senate had deliberately disregarded the court’s ruling and urged the court to reject its claims.
After considering arguments from both parties, Justice Egwuatu vacated the initial injunction, thereby endorsing the Senate’s suspension decision. The case is now set to continue on March 25, with further hearings on outstanding applications.
