Akpabio forces judges to move from the Akpoti-Uuduaghan case

Judge Obiora Egwuatu from the Federal High Court in Abuja had withdrawn from hearing a lawsuit filed by the Senator deferred by Natasha Akpoti-Uuduaghan from Kogi Central, quoting a petition from the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio who challenged his impartiality.

Apart from the suit scheduled for the hearing, Judge Egwuatu announced his decision in a brief decision, which stated that the case file would be returned to the presidential judge for the re -assigning to another judge.

This decision came from a petition proposed by the Akpabio Senate President, questioning the objectivity of Judge Egwuatu in handling this case.

Previously, on March 4, Judge Egwuatu had issued a temporary order to stop the Senate Committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions from continuing with disciplinary actions against the Akpoti-Uuduaghan senator, who was accused of violating the legislative house rules. He decided that the disciplinary process must be suspended while waiting for the settlement of the lawsuit filed by the Senator.

Also read: Defended Senator, Natasha, Petition Files looking for Imasuen Sen Exemptions

Judge Egwuatu also gave the defendants 72 hours to explain why Interlocutory’s orders should not be issued to prevent them from investigating the plaintiff for alleged violations, without giving him the rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, the Standing Order Senate 2023, and the Law on Legislative Houses (power and privileges).

He gave the plaintiff’s authority to serve the origin and related documents to the defendants through a replaced manner, both by sending it to the National Assembly officers, posted it at the National Assembly, or issuing it in two national newspapers.

This temporary command follows the ex-party application and the written statement of the urgency submitted by the parliamentary members.

However, the Senate Committee continued by sitting apart from the court orders, finally suspended the plaintiff for six months.

Furthermore, in response to the applications of the defendants, Judge Egwuatu changed the temporary order, removing the provisions that prohibit the Senate from doing any activities during the lawsuit.

President of the Akpabio Senate, through his legal team led by Mr. The Kaninde Ogunwumiju, San, has questioned the court jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of the senate.

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