A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from carrying out disciplinary proceedings against the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Tuesday after reviewing an ex parte application filed by the Senator’s legal team.
The Clash Between Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio
The controversy started on February 20, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to sit in her assigned seat during a plenary session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered her to comply, but she repeatedly raised a point of order, challenging the directive. Despite Akpabio overruling her, she stood her ground, leading to a heated exchange.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South, later raised a point of order, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions had damaged the Senate’s reputation. He pointed out that the public had already formed opinions on the issue, making it difficult to control the narrative.
Senate Refers Akpoti-Uduaghan to Ethics Committee
As a result of the incident, the Senate decided to refer Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary review. During the plenary session last Tuesday, Senator Adaramodu presented a report on the matter, which was unanimously accepted by the lawmakers.
Senate President Akpabio put the decision to a voice vote, and the chamber agreed to let the committee handle the case. The committee was tasked with reviewing the entire issue and reporting back to the Senate.
However, with the Federal High Court’s ruling, the Senate’s plan to discipline Akpoti-Uduaghan is now on hold.
This matter is still unfolding, and Federal Character News will continue to provide updates as they come.
