A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting a disciplinary proceeding against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, gave the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel.
The Kogi lawmaker clashed with Akpabio over seating arrangements on the floor of the Senate on February 20.
She was thereafter referred to the Senate’s ethics committee.
In response, the senator filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio.
Last Friday, the Kogi lawmaker also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and maligning her because she refused his sexual advances.
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This had also prompted the wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Akpabio, to defend him.
On his part, the Senator representing Ekiti Central, Yemi Adaramodu, who raised a point of order during plenary, said the incident had tarnished the Senate’s image.
He said attempts to clarify the Senate’s position have been unsuccessful as the people already have their opinion on the incident based on the Kogi lawmaker’s action.
Following the development, the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Ethics committee for disciplinary review.
The upper legislative chamber took the decision during last week Tuesday‘s plenary, following consideration and adoption of a report presented by Adaramodu.
Senators unanimously approved that the matter be referred to the committee after it was put to a voice vote by Akpabio.
The Senate President asked the committee to review the entire incident and report back to the Red Chamber.
More to come…
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