Citing Cases in Court on Natasha’s Petition, Senate Committee Thrashes it as Subjudice

The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges chaired by Senator Nedamwem Imaseun has thrown into the thrash can, a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing an ongoing court case and concerns over bias.

The decision was made after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Abiola Akiode, accused Imaseun of bias and asked him to step down as chairman of the panel.

Imaseun responded by stating that the petition was flawed from the outset, as it was signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan herself, contrary to Senate rules. He also pointed out that the petition lacked an address, which is a requirement.

Furthermore, Imaseun argued that the entire Senate was aware of the events surrounding the petition, making it impossible to constitute an unbiased ad-hoc committee.

The committee’s decision to dismiss the petition was ultimately based on the fact that the matter is already before a court of law.

Imaseun cited Order 40 (7) of the Senate’s rule book, which prohibits the Senate from receiving or deliberating on matters that are pending in court. With the respondent’s counsel confirming that the case is indeed before a competent court, Imaseun declared that the committee would allow the court to handle the matter, as it is better equipped to provide an unbiased verdict.

The petition’s dismissal has significant implications, as Akpoti-Uduaghan has already instituted a contempt proceding against Imaseun and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her suspension.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition and suspension continues to unfold, with the court’s decision likely to be a crucial factor in determining the outcome.

In a statement, Imaseun emphasized that the committee’s decision was guided by the Senate’s rules and the need to avoid interfering with an ongoing court case.

“We cannot receive or deliberate on a matter that is already before a court of law. It is our duty to respect the rule of law and allow the court to handle this matter, as it is better equipped to provide a fair and unbiased verdict,” Imasuen insisted.