“I Will Never Apologize for Speaking My Truth” – Senator Natasha
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who was assigned to handle the case involving suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has stepped away from the matter. The judge made this decision on Tuesday, explaining that his withdrawal was based on a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which questioned his impartiality in the case.
The lawsuit had been scheduled for hearing, but when the court convened, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision in a brief ruling. He stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge.
This development follows an earlier ruling by Justice Egwuatu on March 4, where he issued a temporary order preventing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator was accused of violating legislative rules, and the court had ruled that any disciplinary proceedings should be put on hold until her suit was determined.
Natasha’s Case Takes a New Turn
Justice Egwuatu had also directed the defendants in the suit to provide reasons within 72 hours why the court should not issue an injunction stopping them from investigating the senator. He emphasized that the disciplinary process should comply with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Furthermore, he granted permission for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve legal documents on the defendants through substituted means. The court specified that these documents could be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasted within the National Assembly premises, or published in two national newspapers.
This decision came after the senator filed an urgent ex-parte application, urging the court to intervene in what she perceived as an unfair disciplinary process against her.
Court Orders Defied as Natasha’s Case Continues
Despite the court’s orders, the Senate Committee went ahead with its proceedings, ultimately imposing a six-month suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. This move raised further legal questions, as the lawmaker had initially secured a court ruling that restrained the Senate from taking any disciplinary action while her case was pending.
Following an appeal from the defendants, Justice Egwuatu later revised his interim order, removing the restriction that barred the Senate from continuing its activities during the legal process. This modification sparked a legal debate over whether the judiciary could intervene in legislative matters.
Senate President Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kehinde Ogunwumiju, challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the judiciary had no authority to interfere in Senate affairs.
What’s Next for Natasha’s Case?
With Justice Egwuatu stepping aside, the case is expected to be reassigned to a new judge. This raises questions about how the legal battle will unfold and whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will receive a fair hearing.
The situation has also drawn attention to the broader issue of legislative accountability and judicial oversight. As the case progresses, many will be watching to see whether the judiciary can uphold its independence while addressing concerns over political influence in legal proceedings.
As the legal battle over Natasha’s case continues, the outcome could set a precedent for how disciplinary actions against lawmakers are handled in Nigeria.
