- Senate President Godswill Akpabio contested the Federal High Court's jurisdiction in the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
- The Senate stood firm on its six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissing external pressure to reinstate her
- The court confirmed that all parties were served the necessary documents, setting the next hearing for March 25, 2025
The legal battle over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension intensified as the Senate disputed the court’s authority to intervene in internal Senate matters.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by his legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), argued that the court lacked the authority to intervene in the Senate’s internal affairs.
Akpabio argues legislative issues should stay within Senate
He maintained that issues regarding legislative matters should be settled within the Senate itself, without judicial involvement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed the lawsuit seeking to prevent the Senate Ethics Committee from proceeding with an investigation into her alleged misconduct.
On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu instructed the Senate to appear in court and explain why Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request for an injunction should not be granted.
The court gave the Senate 72 hours to justify why it should not be permanently barred from investigating the senator.
Additionally, the court ordered that all relevant documents be served to the National Assembly through its Clerk or published in two national newspapers.
At the court hearing on March 10, Ogunwumiju raised concerns about the adequacy of service of the court documents.
Senate rules out reversing Natasha’s six-month suspension
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, Michael Numa (SAN), submitted affidavits confirming that all parties had been properly served.
After reviewing the documents, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that the service had been properly executed and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025. The judge instructed both parties to file their responses before the next hearing.
Meanwhile, the Senate has ruled out the possibility of reversing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed any external pressure to reinstate the suspended senator, stressing that the Senate would strictly adhere to its rules and regulations.
“There is no pressure that can deter us from following our noble statutes,” Adaramodu stated.
“The Senate will continue to regulate its conduct as outlined by the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders. We are focused on important matters, including the tax reform bills and preparations for the constitutional review. We also aim to reflect the views of Nigerians on the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections.”
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, while also stating that no pressure existed, added, “Sometimes, it’s wise to allow time for healing.”
Natasha vs Akpabio: Groups turn protests to wars over support for both senators
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Women in Akwa Ibom protested in defence of Akpabio, denouncing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.
Counter-protests in Abuja called for a fair investigation into Akpabio’s alleged misconduct.