Abuja
Senate President Akpabio Appeals Judgement On Natasha Akpoti’s Suspension
Senate President Akpabio Appeals Judgement On Natasha Akpoti’s Suspension
Senate President Akpabio appeals judgement on Natasha Akpoti’s suspension. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal seeking to overturn a federal high court judgement which directed the senate to lift the suspension imposed on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central.
The notice of appeal, dated July 14, 2025, was filed at the Abuja division of the court of appeal.
Akpabio is challenging the July 4 ruling delivered by Binta Nyako, which described the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as “overreaching” and in violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
While the court acknowledged the senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members, Nyako held that the length and nature of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension were excessive. The court also imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for contempt, citing a satirical Facebook post made during the proceedings that allegedly breached an earlier restraining order.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed her own appeal, contesting the contempt ruling on jurisdictional grounds. She argued that the trial court lacked the authority to entertain a contempt charge based on conduct that occurred ex facie curiae — that is, outside the courtroom.
Akpabio’s legal team, in a cross-appeal, has also challenged the jurisdiction of the federal high court. They argued that the matter involves internal parliamentary affairs, which are beyond judicial scrutiny under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.
In his 11-ground appeal, Akpabio faulted the trial court for dismissing his preliminary objection and making pronouncements that, in his view, intrude on the legislative autonomy guaranteed under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
He contended that parliamentary procedures, including suspensions, utterances during plenary, and senate resolutions, are shielded from judicial interference.
The appeal further argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit was premature, as it failed to exhaust internal mechanisms, notably the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, as required by the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended).
Senate President Akpabio Appeals Judgement On Natasha
Akpabio also accused the trial judge of denying him a fair hearing by raising and deciding on issues such as whether the suspension was excessive, that either party did not canvas. He described this as a breach of judicial neutrality.
In addition, the appeal criticised the court for merging interlocutory reliefs with substantive claims, a move Akpabio’s lawyers said violated legal procedure.
They also argued that the suit should have been struck out for failure to comply with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Act, which mandates a three-month pre-action notice to the clerk of the national assembly before instituting legal proceedings.
Akpabio is asking the appellate court to allow his appeal, set aside the judgement of the federal high court, and affirm the senate’s disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Wike Orders ‘Heightened’ Security In FCT, Reactivates ‘Operation Sweep’
Wike orders ‘heightened’ security in FCT, reactivates ‘operation sweep’. Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and strengthen security operations across Abuja, the nation’s capital, as part of renewed efforts to curb criminal activities in the territory.
Speaking on Tuesday at the formal resumption of “Operation Sweep”, Miller Dantawaye, FCT commissioner of police, said the minister had provided the logistics and operational support required for the exercise.
Dantawaye said the operation is being carried out by a joint security team comprising the military, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies already deployed across strategic locations in the capital city.
The police commissioner said the team has been tasked with working more aggressively to prevent kidnappings, banditry and other crimes, especially as the festive season draws nearer.
He added that service chiefs and the inspector-general of police (IGP) have also granted full approval for the renewed operation.
“The FCT minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, has given complete support, especially in terms of logistics for this operation,” Dantawaye said.
“By the time we leave here today, the funds for fuelling and servicing of vehicles, as well as allowances for personnel, will have dropped into an account we can access.”
Operation Sweep
Dantawaye also said part of the renewed operation will focus on profiling individuals loitering around the city under the guise of begging, noting that some of them have been found to engage in criminal activities.
“We know that amongst the people who claim to be beggars, some are not exactly beggars. Most come with criminal intent,” he said.
“We are going to profile them and take off the streets those who are criminally minded, even if they claim to be beggars.”
He added that the police will work with relevant agencies, including the Abuja environmental protection board (AEPB), to determine the appropriate legal steps to manage street begging and ensure overall safety in the city.
Army Bosses To Wike: “The Soldier’s Reaction Is The Courage Of A Disciplined Soldier”
Army Bosses to Wike: “The Soldier’s reaction is the courage of a disciplined soldier”. Here is the view of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) about the stand-off between Wike and Yerima in Abuja.
“Every soldier has an element of madness…
For while the right thinking man withdraws from danger, a soldier charges towards it
GENERAL OO OLUYEDE OFR
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF”.
The Nigerian Defence Academy does not produce docile officers. The officer’s response reflects admirable composure and emotional intelligence-qualities that lie at the heart of military leadership training.
His ability to remain calm, firm, and respectful under verbal provocation demonstrates discipline and professionalism.
Army Bosses To Wike
Nevertheless, it is both unfortunate and inappropriate for a federal minister to use such language toward a serving officer of the Armed Forces.
Public officials should model civility and restraint, especially when addressing those in uniform who embody national service and sacrifice”.
Notwithstanding, the case is subject to my scrutiny.
Orji Kalu Backs Trump, Says “Nigerian Christians Subjected To ‘Mass Slaughter’ By Jihadists”
Orji Kalu backs Trump, says “Nigerian Christians subjected to ‘mass slaughter’ by Jihadists”. Senator Orji Kalu has backed American President Donald Trump’s allegation that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for massacre by “Jihadists”.
Senator Orji Kalu has backed American President Donald Trump’s allegation that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for massacre by “Jihadists”.
Mr Kalu made this statement when asked on Tuesday at the National Assembly about his take on Mr Trump’s recent comments on alleged Christian genocide in the country.
“What Donald Trump said, “is it a lie? It is not a lie because Donald Trump said the Truth,” replied Mr Kalu.
In a social media post in October, Mr Trump said, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it.”
The senator noted, however, that “Nigerians are being killed, whether they are Christians or Muslims”.
“If they (terrorists) kill in Plateau, those they kill are Christians. If they go to Benue, the majority of people they’ll kill are Christians,” explained the former Abia governor. “If they go to Zamfara, the people they will kill in the mosque are Muslims. These people are jihadists. These people just want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them without pity so that they will be smoked out.”
Mr Kalu added, “Before President Trump says a word, the American intelligence community must have found out where these terrorists are located. You can see that the Nigerian Air Force is already acting, possibly using information shared by the U.S. to bomb terrorist hideouts. That’s how it should be.”
Orji Kalu Says
Following up on his initial post, the U.S. president said, “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the k1lling of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
-
Crime7 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
News9 months agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
News8 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Economy7 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
-
Politics10 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares