The ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu effectively restores the Senate’s authority to carry out its constitutional functions without judicial interference.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – A Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated its previous ex parte order that restrained the Senate from probing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).
The ruling, delivered on March 19, 2025, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, effectively restores the Senate’s authority to carry out its constitutional functions without judicial interference.
The court had earlier, on March 4, 2025, issued an order barring the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct.
The controversy stemmed from a heated exchange during the Senate plenary on February 20, 2025, between the senator and Senate President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, GCON, over seat reallocation. Her actions were deemed disorderly, prompting her referral to the committee.
Rather than appear before the panel, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought legal protection to halt the probe. Despite the court’s initial injunction, the Senate proceeded with its investigation, concluding it on March 6, 2025, and subsequently voting to suspend her.
During the March 19 proceedings, the second respondent challenged the ex parte order, arguing that it had effectively ruled on the substantive matter without hearing all parties. Justice Egwuatu concurred, stating:
“A court must be cautious not to interfere prematurely in the workings of another arm of government, particularly in matters within its constitutional purview. The Senate has the right to discipline its members as provided by law.”
Reacting to the ruling, a legal representative of the Senate welcomed the decision, emphasising that legislative bodies must retain their independence.
“This ruling upholds the principle that internal legislative matters should not be unduly curtailed by the judiciary,” the counsel said.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team maintained that her suspension was a violation of due process.
“We will continue to seek redress to ensure that her rights as an elected representative are protected,” a member of her legal team stated.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all pending preliminary objections, applications, and the senator’s request for a mandatory injunction.