Appeal Withdrawn, Not Dismissed: Setting the Record Straight on Senator Natasha’s Media Manipulation

Akpabio

By Monday O. Ubani, SAN

When I saw the recycled news from some bloggers and news outlets, I felt I need to offer a succinct and accurate clarification on the status of the pending legal matter between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and key officers of the National Assembly, currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja, and presided over by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako over her suspension matter.

At our last court appearance, the matter was fully heard, and judgment was reserved for the 27th of June 2025. This remains the true and correct position.

However, in light of ongoing media misinformation, especially orchestrated by blogs known for sensationalism and political manipulation, it is necessary to set the record straight regarding the interlocutory appeal and its withdrawal

Background to the Interlocutory Appeal

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a suit at the Federal High Court to challenge a summons by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions regarding her unparliamentary conduct during plenary sometime in February this year. The matter was initially assigned to Hon. Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Upon ex parte application, Justice Egwuatu granted wide-reaching interim orders. As the matter progressed, parties filed their respective processes. A key procedural disagreement emerged: Senator Natasha’s lawyers insisted that all pending applications, including preliminary objections and the substantive originating summons, be heard together. Conversely, counsel representing the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate Committee on Ethics, and Senator Akpabio maintained that the preliminary objections should be heard and determined first.