Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused self from a suit filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District) against the Senate.
The judge said his decision follows a petition from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, challenging his objectivity. According to him, the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for a reassignment to another judge.
Justice Egwuatu had on March 4, issued an interim order that stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, from going ahead with the disciplinary proceeding initiated against Senator Natasha over alleged misconduct. The judge subsequently vacated the order after the Senate President through his team of lawyers queried the powers of the court to meddle in the affairs of the Senate.The Kogi Central Senator had been suspended for six months. Her suspension came after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions found her guilty of misconduct and violation of Senate rules.
THEWILL had reported the uproar at Senate plenary on 20th February as dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The commotion began after the Kogi Senator voiced her displeasure at the change of her seat. But Natasha had accused Akpabio of persistent sexual advances. She claimed that Akpabio’s hostility toward her stems from her refusal to entertain them.