Mathew Amaechi
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from presiding over the case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This decision came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio submitted a petition questioning Justice Egwuatu’s impartiality in the matter.
The case, initially scheduled for hearing today, took an unexpected turn when Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal in a brief ruling. He stated that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
This development follows a series of legal proceedings concerning disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against the senator, who was accused of violating Senate’s rules.
Despite this order, the Senate proceeded to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. In response to her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge against Senate President Akpabio, alleging deliberate defiance of the court’s directive.
The contempt charge, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, as contemnors. Legal experts suggest that Justice Egwuatu’s recusal could impact the trajectory of the case, potentially leading to delays as a new judge familiarizes themselves with the proceedings. The Chief Judge’s forthcoming reassignment will determine the next steps in this high-profile legal battle.
As the situation unfolds, observers remain keenly interested in how the judiciary will navigate the complex interplay between legislative authority and judicial oversight in this case.