From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned until March 25, hearing of the suit filed against the senate by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central.
The uproar at Senate plenary on 20th February as dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between Natasha and Akpabio. The commotion began after the Kogi Senator voiced her displeasure at the change of her seat.
While the Senate referred Natasha to its Committee on Ethics and Privileges for disciplinary action over her conduct, she, however, approached the Federal High Court, seeking an order restraining the Committee from proceeding on the probe.
Respondents in the suit are the Senate, Clerk of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu last Tuesday, restrained the Committee from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Natasha. She was, however, suspended by the Senate on Wednesday, for six months following the adoption of the Committee’s report which found her guilty.
During Thursday’s proceedings, lawyers representing the first, second, and third defendants claimed they had not been served with the necessary documents.
However, Michael Numa (SAN), counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirmed that all parties had been duly served, presenting affidavits of service to the court. Justice Egwatu reviewed the affidavits and confirmed that all processes had been properly served to the defendants.
On his part, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, counsel for the third defendant (Akpabio), requested an adjournment to allow all processes to be harmonised, a request supported by other counsel to ensure smoother proceedings at the next hearing.
In response, Justice Egwatu adjourned the matter to March 25, 2025, and instructed that all relevant documents be served on the parties before the next hearing.
