By Mary Onyia
The legal battle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udughan of Kogi Central District and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over the former’s suspension by the Senate, following allegations of misconduct, has encountered a stumbling block, as the presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, recused himself from the case. This decision follows a petition from Akpabio questioning the judge’s impartiality.
Initially scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, the case took an unexpected turn when Justice Egwuatu, after a brief address, announced that the case file would be forwarded to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
Recall that on March 4, Justice Egwuatu had granted an interim order halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Udughan. The court ruled that the Senate should refrain from any further action on the matter until the suit’s resolution. Additionally, the court issued a 72-hour directive for the defendants to justify why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted, preventing further investigation without due process as outlined in the 1999 Constitution and other relevant legislative guidelines.
The court had also allowed for substituted service of the legal processes to be served through the National Assembly Clerk or posted at the premises of the National Assembly, along with publication in national newspapers. Despite these rulings, the Senate proceeded with its disciplinary proceedings, imposing a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Udughan.
In response, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier interim order, allowing the Senate to continue its activities while the suit remains ongoing. The Senate President, represented by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, had challenged the court’s authority to intervene in Senate matters, questioning the judicial involvement in its internal processes.
The case remains suspended until a new judge is found.
With additional reports from the Vanguard