The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, comes after an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.
The disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, stemmed from an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
The incident involved a dispute over the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber, prompting a motion to address the alleged breach of conduct.
However, the court’s intervention has temporarily halted the proceedings, pending further legal deliberations. The court ordered that the Senate Committee show cause within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted against them.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal advocate for transparency and good governance, has yet to publicly comment on the court’s decision.
The Senate Committee has expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling of the hearing but maintains that the matter remains within its jurisdiction.
