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Suspension, Natasha’s Lie: No Court Order Existed

Published

9 months ago

July 25, 2025

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The recent filing of a Notice of Appeal by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has now vindicated my position and that of all those who have maintained that the judgment of Hon. Justice Binta Nyako did not contain a mandatory order directing the Senate to recall her before the expiration of her six-month suspension.

In the Notice of Appeal, which contains thirty grounds and seeks to set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ground 23 is particularly striking and revealing. It reads:

“The Learned Trial Judge erred in law and abdicated her judicial duty when Her Ladyship, after rightly adjudging the Appellant’s suspension by the 2nd Respondent for a period of six months as excessive, outside the contemplation of the Constitution and the enabling Act, as well as ultra vires Section 63 of the Constitution, failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement setting aside and/or nullifying same accordingly.”

The particulars of this ground further assert:

The trial judge found the suspension excessive and contrary to the spirit of the Constitution;
Nevertheless, the judge merely believed that the Senate should recall the appellant;
The language employed did not constitute an express or binding nullification of the suspension;
The absence of a clear and direct order created confusion, as reflected in the enrolled order;
The judge’s failure to nullify the suspension expressly has led to multiple interpretations.

This single ground of appeal confirms what we have consistently argued: there was no binding, enforceable order mandating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate before her suspension elapsed. If such an order existed, there would have been no need to appeal this specific point.

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in exercising its disciplinary powers, acted within the limits of its constitutional and statutory authority. It did not breach any law or violate any rights in sanctioning a member whose conduct on the floor was unworthy of parliamentary decorum. The Senate Chamber is not a theatre for disorder, nor should it be a platform for members to hurl discourtesies at the presiding officer or other colleagues.

Furthermore, Senator Natasha’s dramatized attempt to re-enter the Senate complex, accompanied by a hired crowd and media entourage, was nothing short of a carefully staged spectacle aimed at generating online content for her army of bloggers. It was not about justice, it was about virality.

Her actions, unsanctioned, disorderly, and self-aggrandizing, are unbecoming of the office she holds. They constitute not only a flagrant disregard for institutional discipline but also a fresh insult to the very chamber she claims to respect. Indeed, her conduct could merit another round of disciplinary action.

Let discerning Nigerians note this: the judicial process must be respected in its entirety, not selectively exploited for media sympathy. The appeal filed by Senator Natasha herself has exposed the truth and reaffirmed the position that the Senate has acted within the law.

We were right yesterday, and we are right today. The Senate owes no duty to enforce a non-existent order.

Dayo Fdugba, lawyer and Policy Analyst writes from Abuja.

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Abia APC denies alleged planned protest against Otti administration

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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The All Progressives Congress, APC, Abia State chapter has denied plans to sponsor a protest against the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the state.

The State government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity,Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, alleged that the opposition is planning to stage a protest under the tag; ‘Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop’ in the state.

However, the APC while reacting to the accusation through its state publicity secretary,Uche Aguoru, reminded the Otti led administration that it has the duty of maintaining law and order in the state.

The APC said; “However, given the Abia State Government’s well-established reputation for propaganda, misinformation, and calculated public deception, it is both reasonable and necessary to question the intent behind this claim.

“There is a strong possibility that this narrative is a deliberate ploy to divert public attention from the mounting concerns over governance failures, financial opacity, and the apparent mismanagement of public resources under the current administration.

“In recent months, citizens of Abia State have become increasingly vocal, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the management of state finances.

“Available records shows that over one trillion naira has accrued to the state with little to no corresponding improvement in infrastructure or the welfare of the people. These concerns remain largely unanswered, fueling public distrust and deepening suspicion of systemic mismanagement and possible financial impropriety.”

The APC stated that it is not aware of any planned protest,as it has never been known for orchestrating protests in the state.

“The APC is a responsible and law-abiding political party that does not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining the security and wellbeing of citizens.

“Our party, both within Abia State and nationally, is not known for orchestrating protests or encouraging civil unrest. On the contrary, our track record reflects a commitment to lawful engagement, constructive opposition, and responsible political conduct. It is instructive, however, that those attempting to attribute such actions to the opposition belong to a political tradition that has, on multiple occasions, resorted to protests and confrontational tactics, accompanied by violence and disregard for rule of law.

“Given this context, it is not far fetched to consider that the present alarm raised by the Abia State Government may itself be part of a staged narrative designed to manufacture a crisis, shift blame to the opposition, and ultimately distract from legitimate public scrutiny over governance issues.”

The party called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties to ensure that the peace and security of citizens are not compromised.

“Any credible intelligence regarding threats to public order should be acted upon decisively. However, it is equally important to guard against the misuse of state apparatus in advancing politically motivated narratives or suppressing legitimate opposition.”

Source: Vanguard.

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EASTER: NKWONTA ENJOINS CONSTITUENTS AND NIGERIANS TO IMBIBE CHRIST-LIKE VIRTUES

Published

4 days ago

April 4, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.

In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.

He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.

Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration.