Hearing on Contempt Charges Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Set for Tuesday
Hearing Date Determined for Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio Controversy
Here's the lowdown on the ongoing legal saga between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Federal High Court in Abuja will convene on Tuesday to address contempt charges brought against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by Akpabio. At the heart of the issue is an alleged violation of a court directive with regards to public comments on social media about the ongoing legal case concerning her suspension from the Senate.
Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, confirmed the upcoming hearing, which is set to commence at 12 pm. Both contempt applications — one from Akpabio and the other from Akpoti-Uduaghan — will be addressed during the proceedings.
During Monday's session, Justice Nyako declared, "I want a copy of the Senate rules as well. I will take you tomorrow. I am going to clear the diary."
Background: This controversy stems from a ruling issued by Justice Nyako on April 4, which prohibited all parties involved from discussing the case in the media or on social media platforms. Akpabio's counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, raised concerns over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's continued media appearances, which contradicted the court's instruction.
Akpabio filed a motion, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of defying the court's directive by posting a satirical letter on her Facebook page. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt complaint against Akpabio, the Senate, and others, arguing that her suspension from the legislative body was a violation of a standing order issued by former presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which instructed all defendants to refrain from taking any actions pending the outcome of the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against the Clerk of the National Assembly, Senate President Akpabio, the Senate itself, Senator Neda Imasuen, and the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, naming them as the 1st through 4th defendants in her suit.
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- Natasha Posts TikTok Video With Tinubu's 'Omo Ologo' Song As Background Music
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Keep an eye out for further updates on this developing story. The court's decision on the contempt claims and the legality of Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension is pending.
- The hearing on contempt charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, originally set for Tuesday in Abuja, will now likely discuss more than just her alleged violation of a court directive amidst the ongoing legal case concerning her suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
- Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has raised concerns over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's continued media appearances, with one of those appearances reportedly involving a satirical letter posted on her Facebook page, suggesting a possible violation of the court's instruction.
- On the political front, this legal saga between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio has been a notable point of discussion in policy-and-legislation and general news, with related NAija headlines highlighting issues like sexual harassment, political maneuvering, and media relations.
- In a somewhat surprising twist, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's TikTok video, featuring Tinubu's 'Omo Ologo' song as background music, has indicated that she might be keeping a watchful eye on the political landscape – beyond the court proceedings and her ongoing dispute with Akpabio.
