Natasha Files Contempt Charge Against Akpabio Over Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a contempt charge against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other officials over her six-month suspension by the Senate.

The charge, filed under Form 48 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as respondents.

Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that her suspension violates a court order issued on March 4, which restrained the Senate from taking any disciplinary action against her. In response, the court, through a notice signed by its Registrar under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, warned that defying its directive could result in imprisonment.

According to Form 48, the defendants “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” the court’s directive despite being served an enrolled copy travis scott air jordan 1 retro low og black olive release date fall 2024 of the interim injunction on March 5.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier granted Nike Pegasus 41: The Next Generation – nike air mags mens limited edition – nike flyknit racer black white yellow caterpillar the injunction following an ex-parte application by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Michael Numa.

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The order restrained the Senate Committee from proceeding with its probe into her alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session, pending a full hearing of the case.

Additionally, the court directed the defendants to explain why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to prevent any disciplinary action that infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative rights under the Nigerian Constitution, Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

It ruled that any action taken while the case remains pending would be null and void.

Justice Egwuatu also approved substituted service of court documents on the defendants, including delivery to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasting at the National Assembly premises, or publication in two national newspapers.

In response, Senate President Akpabio challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the judiciary 200 - Riot Skateshop x Nike Reveals Two More Nike Low "Paisley" Colourways FZ1289 - Air Force 1 Crater White Copa has no authority over Senate matters.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on March 25.