The Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated its earlier order nullifying the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate.
In a ruling on Wednesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu set aside the March 4 order after hearing arguments from both the plaintiff’s counsel and the defense lawyers. The decision follows a motion filed by the Senate on March 17, challenging the validity of the previous ruling.
The court had initially granted five reliefs in favor of Natasha, including an order declaring any action taken by the defendants during the pendency of the suit as null and void. The senator, representing Kogi Central, had filed the suit against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuem, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
She sought an interim injunction to halt an ongoing Senate investigation into alleged misconduct related to events at the February 20 plenary. The Senate, however, argued that the court order was vague, lacked specificity, and could disrupt legislative functions.
Citing Section 36(1) of the Constitution, the Senate’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, contended that the ruling violated the principles of fair hearing. He warned that enforcing the order could lead to a constitutional crisis, as it would effectively halt the legislative activities of the Senate.
Following the March 4 ruling, the Senate proceeded with Natasha’s suspension, prompting the senator to file a contempt charge, accusing the legislative body of defying the court’s order.
With the latest court decision, Natasha’s legal battle against her suspension takes a new turn, as the case continues to unfold.
Read also:
BREAKING: Court Intervenes In Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Senate Probe
Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit Against Senate To March 25
One Comment