Akpabio appeals court judgment, insists trial court lacks jurisdiction over case
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the High Court judgment ordering the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Upper Chamber and ruling that her suspension for 180 days excessive and unconstitutional.
Akpabio, through his legal team, filed the appeal on July 14, marked CA/A/2025, to set aside the judgment on July 4 arguing on 11 grounds that the trial court erred in assuming jurisdiction over the internal affairs of the National Assembly (NASS) which he said are beyond judicial interference under Section 251 of the Constitution.
Among others, he also:
- Faulted the High Court for dismissing his preliminary objection and issuing orders affecting parliamentary procedures.
- Argued that actions taken during plenary, including suspensions and resolutions, are protected by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and should not be subject to litigation.
- Argued that Natasha’s suit was premature, having failed to exhaust the internal redress mechanisms of the Senate, particularly the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, stipulated in the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).
- Accused the trial court of breaching his right to a fair hearing by raising issues not canvassed by either party – specifically, whether the suspension was excessive – and proceeding to recommend Natasha’s recall without allowing both parties to address the issue.
Natasha declined comment on Monday in Abuja at the screening of Double Minority, a documentary organised by Daria Media in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.
When pressed to comment on Akpabio’s appeal, she shot back: “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?” before driving away from the venue, per reporting by The PUNCH.
A dispute erupted between Natasha and Akpabio on February 20 over seating arrangements in the Senate.
She subsequently alleged that he had sexually harassed her and demanded quid-pro-quo for parliamentary duties.
Natasha was on March 6 suspended at Senate plenary presided over by Akpabio without giving her the opportunity to defend herself, and denied her office access, salary, and security.
Judge Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on July 4 ruled her six-month suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, and ordered the Senate to recall her.
The court fined Natasha N5 million for contempt for posting a comment on Facebook which breached an order that all parties refrain from media statement on the case.
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