Court upholds Senate’s suspension of Natasha Akpoti

DDM News

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed its earlier ruling that nullified the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled in favor of the Senate’s application, setting aside his March 4 decision.

The previous ruling had declared any Senate actions against Natasha ineffective during the legal proceedings.

However, the Senate’s legal team challenged the decision, leading to a reversal of the order.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a lawsuit against several top officials of the National Assembly.

She sued the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuem.

Imasuem is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The senator sought an injunction to stop the Senate from investigating her alleged misconduct.

The incident in question occurred during the February 20 plenary session.

Her alleged actions during that session led to her suspension from the Senate.

The Senate, represented by lawyer Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, argued against the court’s initial ruling.

Ojukwu claimed that the ruling was vague and exceeded the court’s jurisdiction.

He also warned that enforcing the ruling could disrupt the Senate’s legislative functions.

According to him, the ruling violated the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

Ojukwu insisted that allowing the court’s interference would create a constitutional crisis.

Other defense lawyers, including Charles Yoila, also supported Ojukwu’s arguments.

Yoila represented the Clerk of the National Assembly in the case.

Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Umeh Kalu, SAN, stood in defense of Senator Neda Imasuem.

Natasha’s lawyer, Michael Numa, SAN, rejected the Senate’s arguments.

He described the legal challenge as a conspiracy against his client.

Numa insisted that the court had the authority to hold the Senate accountable.

He argued that the Senate had defied the court’s directive by proceeding with her suspension.

According to him, reversing the initial ruling would encourage lawlessness.

Despite his objections, Justice Egwuatu ruled in favor of the Senate.

He vacated his earlier order that had temporarily shielded Natasha from suspension.

The court adjourned the case to March 25 to address other pending applications.

Following the court’s March 4 ruling, the Senate had gone ahead with Natasha’s suspension.

She was suspended for six months, despite the court’s initial order.

In response, she filed a contempt charge against the Senate.

She argued that the suspension amounted to “willful disobedience” of a court order.

She claimed the defendants were officially served the order on March 5 but still ignored it.

The tension between Natasha and Senate President Akpabio had been building for weeks.

The dispute escalated after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

During a heated Senate session, Natasha confronted him over the alleged misconduct.

The confrontation led to a tense exchange between both lawmakers.

Following the altercation, she was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee.

The committee investigated her conduct and recommended her suspension.

Natasha challenged the Senate’s decision, taking the case to court.

With the court’s reversal, Natasha’s suspension remains in effect.

She will remain excluded from Senate activities until further legal action is taken.

As the legal battle continues, political analysts expect further developments in the case.

Natasha’s supporters believe the Senate’s actions are politically motivated.

However, her critics argue that disciplinary measures are necessary to maintain order in the Senate.

Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for future legislative disputes.

The public remains divided over the controversy surrounding Natasha’s suspension.

Some believe the Senate is abusing its power, while others see it as enforcing discipline.

With the next hearing set for March 25, all eyes will be on the court’s next move.

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