Nigeria: Natasha fires back at Akpabio over reinstatement challenge

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has dismissed the appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking to overturn a Federal High Court ruling that ordered her reinstatement to the Senate. Akpabio’s appeal challenges the July 4th judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, which nullified Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Red Chamber.

Akpabio argues that the trial court erred in assuming jurisdiction over what he describes as the internal affairs of the National Assembly, which are beyond judicial interference under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution. Akpabio contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit was premature, as she failed to exhaust the internal redress mechanisms of the Senate, particularly the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

When asked about Akpabio’s appeal, Natasha flinched and shot back, “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?”

Efforts to obtain a formal response from Akpoti-Uduaghan were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.

A heated dispute erupted between Natasha and Akpabio over seating arrangements, leading to allegations of sexual harassment. The Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her petition and suspended her for six months.

Justice Nyako nullified the suspension, ordering the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan and pay her N5m for contempt over a social media post.