Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from hearing the case filed by suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The judge’s decision was linked to a petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, challenging his objectivity in the matter.
On Tuesday, while addressing the court, Justice Egwuatu delivered a brief ruling in which he stated that he would be returning the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. His decision follows increasing controversy surrounding the case, particularly regarding the Senate’s disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to TheNigerian, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with its disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The committee had accused her of violating legislative house rules and initiated a probe against her.
In his ruling at the time, the judge ordered that the disciplinary process be halted until the final determination of the case brought before him by Akpoti-Uduaghan. He further directed the defendants, including the Senate leadership, to provide reasons within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted in favor of the plaintiff. The injunction was aimed at preventing the Senate from taking any punitive actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan without following due legislative and constitutional procedures.
Despite the court’s intervention, the Senate Committee proceeded with its probe, ultimately leading to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the legislative chamber. This decision has been widely criticized by her supporters and legal experts who argue that the Senate acted in defiance of a court order.
Justice Egwuatu later modified his initial ruling, lifting the restriction on the Senate’s ability to carry out legislative activities during the pendency of the case. However, the legal battle intensified when Senate President Akpabio, through his legal representatives, questioned the authority of the judiciary to intervene in the Senate’s internal affairs.
The Senate’s defiance of the initial court order and the subsequent legal maneuvers have fueled concerns over the balance of power between the judiciary and the legislative arm of government. The case has also sparked debates on whether legislative actions against elected representatives should be subject to judicial review, especially in cases involving disciplinary measures.
Following Justice Egwuatu’s recusal, the case will now be reassigned to another judge, as per court procedures. Legal analysts predict that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future interactions between the judiciary and the legislature, particularly on matters of legislative discipline and parliamentary privileges.
According to TheNigerian, supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan have expressed disappointment over the judge’s decision to step down, citing concerns that it might further delay justice in the case. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team insists that the court must recognize the Senate’s autonomy in handling disciplinary issues within the legislative body.
As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to determine the next steps in what has become a highly politicized legal battle with significant implications for Nigeria’s legislative and judicial systems.
