Judge Withdraws from Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit Amid Akpabio’s Petition, Raising Questions About Judicial Independence
A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Obiora Egwuatu, has withdrawn from the case filed by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her suspension by the Senate. His decision, announced on Tuesday, follows a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who questioned the judge’s impartiality, a move that raises serious concerns about political interference in judicial proceedings.
Judicial Setback for Akpoti-Uduaghan
The senator had hoped for a swift resolution to her legal challenge, which, if successful, could have cut short the six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate. However, her case has suffered multiple setbacks, including an earlier reversal of a court order that had initially halted the Senate’s disciplinary process against her.
The latest development suggests a deeper power struggle, with Akpabio leveraging legal maneuvers to delay proceedings. The judge’s withdrawal means the case will be reassigned, further prolonging Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle. Even if the case is reassigned quickly, it faces the possibility of indefinite delays due to a pending appeal from Akpabio’s legal team at the Court of Appeal.
Court’s Flip-Flop Raises Concerns
Judge Egwuatu had previously issued an order on March 4, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan. He ruled that the senator must be afforded due process as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution, Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Despite this, the Senate went ahead with its disciplinary proceedings, suspending her on March 6. The court’s subsequent reversal of its own order on March 19, citing vagueness and legislative overreach, has fueled suspicions of external pressure influencing judicial decisions.
Akpabio’s Legal Tactics and Senate’s Defiance
Akpabio has aggressively pursued legal avenues to stall Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge. On March 20, he filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, seeking to halt the Federal High Court’s proceedings. His legal team argues that the High Court erred in consolidating all pending applications into one hearing, claiming this violates due process.
Additionally, Akpabio filed for a stay of proceedings at the Federal High Court, effectively freezing the case until his appeal is heard. This tactic appears designed to outlast Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, ensuring she remains politically sidelined.
Political Undercurrents and the Erosion of Judicial Autonomy
The senator’s suspension stems from a heated Senate session on February 20, where she clashed with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Her protest led to disciplinary actions, which critics argue were politically motivated.
The Senate’s continued defiance of court orders, coupled with Akpabio’s relentless legal maneuvers, raises concerns about the separation of powers in Nigeria. The judiciary’s perceived wavering under political pressure threatens its independence and calls into question the fairness of legal proceedings involving high-profile politicians.
As the Court of Appeal prepares to hear Akpabio’s application, the fate of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case remains uncertain. If the appellate court proceeds, the Federal High Court may be forced to delay further, playing into Akpabio’s hands and setting a concerning precedent for judicial integrity in Nigeria’s democracy.
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