In a dramatic twist to the legal battle involving suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja recused himself from the case on Tuesday, citing a petition by Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging his neutrality.
Why Did the Judge Step Down?
Justice Egwuatu announced his decision during a scheduled hearing, returning the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. The move followed Akpabio’s formal complaint questioning the judge’s objectivity, particularly after earlier rulings favoring Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Background: The Senate vs. Akpoti-Uduaghan
The case stems from disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order halting the Senate’s probe, arguing the Senator’s constitutional rights to fair hearing under the 1999 Constitution, Senate Standing Order 2023, and Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act were at risk.
Despite the court’s directive, the Senate Committee proceeded, suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months—a decision critics label as defiant.
Key Legal Developments
- Initial Ruling: Justice Egwuatu’s interim order demanded the Senate show cause within 72 hours why an injunction shouldn’t block the probe.
- Substituted Service: The court allowed serving legal documents via the National Assembly Clerk, notices at its premises, and newspaper publications.
- Amended Order: After pushback from Akpabio’s legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, the judge revised his order, lifting restrictions on Senate activities during the case.
Akpabio’s Challenge: Separation of Powers?
Akpabio’s petition underscores a broader constitutional debate: Can courts intervene in legislative affairs? His legal team argues the Senate’s internal disciplinary processes are immune to judicial oversight—a stance critics claim risks undermining accountability.
What’s Next?
With the case now reassigned, all eyes are on the Federal High Court’s next steps. Legal experts speculate whether the new judge will uphold the Senate’s autonomy or reinforce judicial checks on legislative power.
Why This Matters
This clash highlights Nigeria’s fragile balance between legislative independence and judicial review. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension—and the Senate’s defiance of court orders—raises concerns about due process and the rule of law.
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