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| (Image: Punch Newspaper) |
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has opted to take a step back from hearing the case of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, according to The Sun. This decision follows a plea by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who expressed worries about his impartiality.
Recall that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was called by the senate disciplinary committee for alleged misbehavior. In response, she filed a lawsuit to appeal the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions' disciplinary actions. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu intervened and granted an interim order halting the committee's proceedings while the lawsuit is being handled.
Despite the court's decision, the Senate Committee held its session, resulting in a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan. Following this, Senate President Akpabio questioned the court's authority to interfere in Senate proceedings and filed a petition questioning Justice Egwuatu's neutrality.
In a swift ruling issued on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu explained his decision to withdraw from the case, citing concerns about his ability to stay impartial. He stated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge and reassigned to another judge. The case's relocation may cause some delays in the resolution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension challenge. The judiciary's involvement in legislative issues has created controversy, highlighting the fragile balance between the branches of government.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this development! Do you believe the judiciary should intervene in legislative disciplinary actions? Share your opinions in the comments section below, and let's get the conversation started!
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