Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Appeal Confirms Senate Was Right Not to Recall Her — Lawyer
- A legal expert has asserted that the Senate acted within its rights by refusing to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her six-month suspension elapsed, pointing to her own appeal as confirmation that no court order mandated her recall.
According to Vanguard, Abuja-based lawyer and public affairs analyst, Dayo Fadugba, said the appeal filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team affirms that Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court never issued an enforceable ruling requiring the Senate to lift her suspension.
Citing Ground 23 of the 30 grounds of appeal, Fadugba noted that the appeal itself criticizes the trial judge for failing to issue a clear order to set aside the suspension.
He quoted the document: “The Learned Trial Judge erred in law… after rightly adjudging the Appellant’s suspension… as excessive… failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement setting aside and/or nullifying the same.”
Fadugba argued this demonstrates that no legal compulsion was placed on the Senate to act, and the absence of such an order justifies their position.
“If a binding judgment existed, there would have been no basis for appeal,” he said.
He maintained that the Senate’s disciplinary action falls within its constitutional powers under Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
Criticizing the senator’s recent attempt to resume legislative duties, Fadugba described her return with supporters and media as a “media stunt” without legal standing.
“It was a staged event, not a lawful resumption,” he stated.
He warned that such defiance could attract further sanctions and urged the public to base their opinions on facts, not sentiments.
Fadugba concluded that the ongoing appeal would clarify the limits of the trial court’s decision and emphasized the importance of upholding institutional rules.
