Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Woes Worsen as Court Agrees with Suspension

In a surprise turn of events, the Abuja Federal High Court has vacated its earlier injunction that had stayed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate.

The ruling delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu yesterday essentially paves the way for the Senate to effect its six-month suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, dated March 6, for her misconduct.

The storm erupted when Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the court for an ex-parte application, which sought to restrain the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from investigating allegations of wrongdoing against her.

The court had previously granted her an interim injunction, halting any act of disciplinary procedure against her, and declaring that any ruling made against her pending the determination of the suit was void.

But the Senate went against the court directive and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan, a move she petitioned to be a case of contempt of court for the legislative arm. The Senate, on its part, moved to challenge the court directive, contending that it was ambiguous and a breach into matters of the legislature, a move that would infringe upon the Senate’s constitutional role and the doctrine of separation of powers.

After the arguments of both parties, Justice Egwuatu vacated the order, believing that the action of the Senate should be sustained.

The decision is viewed as victory for the Senate, which had argued that the court order was an attempt to usurp its constitutional authority.

The decision has also sparked a firestorm of controversy on the boundaries of the judicial powers and legislative independence.

Since Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers had insisted that the Senate’s move was an outrageous breach of the court’s directive, the Senate counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), welcomed the ruling as a triumph of the rule of law and doctrine of separation of powers.

The matter has been adjourned to March 25, leaving most to wonder what’s in store for the embattled senator and the Senate. One thing is certain, though: the battle between the judiciary and legislature has just heated up big time.