Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned its previous order that nullified all Senate actions taken during the pending legal battle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Delivering the ruling on March 19, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu set aside the earlier March 4 order, which had declared any action taken during the case as null, void, and of no effect.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her six-month suspension by the Senate, imposed on March 6, 2025, due to alleged misconduct during plenary on February 20. She argued that the Senate’s actions violated her constitutional rights and sought a court order preventing further proceedings against her.
On March 4, 2025, Justice Egwuatu granted an interim injunction, restraining the Senate from taking further actions while the case was pending. The ruling also mandated the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and the Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee to appear in court and justify their actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Courtroom Proceedings
During the latest hearing, March 19, 2025, the Senate’s legal team, led by Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, argued that the March 4 ruling was vague and unconstitutional, as it obstructed the Senate’s ability to perform its legislative functions.
“The Senate, as part of the National Assembly, has the constitutional responsibility to legislate for the peace and order of Nigeria. The previous ruling placed an undue restriction on its operations,” Ojukwu submitted.
Other defense lawyers, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, representing Senate President Akpabio, aligned with this position, urging the court to reverse the order.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa, SAN, countered that the defense failed to provide sufficient grounds to set aside the ruling. He described the Senate’s actions as “legislative recklessness.”
Court Ruling
Justice Egwuatu ultimately ruled in favor of the Senate’s legal team, stating that revoking the March 4 order would not harm Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case. However, he refused to nullify the court proceedings of that day, as requested by the defense.
“I set aside Order 4 made on 4th March 2025,” the judge declared. The court then scheduled March 25, 2025, for further hearings on the matter.
Political Implications
The ruling adds a new dimension to the ongoing power struggle between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. The controversy initially erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her in December 2023. Her refusal to switch seats in the Senate chamber, following a reshuffling of opposition members, further escalated tensions.
Despite attempts by some senators to reduce her suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month penalty, which also includes the freezing of her salary and allowances. While some argue this decision is a necessary disciplinary measure, others view it as an attempt to silence dissent within the legislature.
With the next hearing set for March 25, 2025, all eyes remain on the court’s final judgment and its implications for legislative governance in Nigeria.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | March 19, 2025
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