Suspension: Akpabio appeals judgment ordering Natasha’s reinstatement

• In an 11-ground appeal, the former Akwa Ibom Governor argued that the trial court erred by meddling in what he described as the internal affairs of the National Assembly

We may not be hearing the last of the suspension imbroglio and legal battle between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This follows the move by Akpabio to contest a court judgment ordering the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan back to the hallowed chamber.

The Senate President on Tuesday filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja challenging the reinstatement order.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja had on July 4 ruled that the six-month suspension handed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was “excessive” and ordered her reinstatement.

The trial court also ordered the embattled senator to pay a N5 million fine for making a social media publication during the pendency of the suit.

In the appeal filed by his lawyers, Akpabio is asking the appellate court to vacate the judgment of the lower court.

In an 11-ground appeal, the former Akwa Ibom Governor argued that the trial court erred by meddling in what he described as the internal affairs of the National Assembly-matters which, he contends, are beyond judicial interference under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

Akpabio also prays that the appellate court fault the judgment of the court for dismissing his preliminary objection and issuing orders affecting parliamentary procedures.

He maintained 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.

Akpabio further argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit was premature, as she had failed to exhaust the internal redress mechanisms of the Senate, particularly the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as stipulated in the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).

He also 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 her recall without allowing both parties to address the issue.

Trouble started on February 20 when Akpabio changed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat in the Senate auditorium, which she protested against, and the matter was referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee, which ordered her to apologise.

She, however, declined, and during a television interview, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and persecution which led the committee to suspend her for six months.

The committee then suspended her for six months for “unruly behaviour,” denying her office access, salary and security.