By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed its earlier decision, lifting the injunction that blocked the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu vacated the interim order that had restrained the Senate from taking disciplinary action against the lawmaker.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session, despite the initial court order.
The senator had sought the court’s intervention, arguing that the investigation into the allegations against her was unfair.
However, the Senate defended its decision, challenging the court order as vague and interfering with legislative duties. The Senate’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the order violated the principle of separation of powers.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), insisted that the Senate had willfully disobeyed the court’s ruling and urged the court to reject the Senate’s arguments.
With the injunction lifted, the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan stands.
The case has been adjourned to March 25 for further hearings on pending applications.
