Akpabio Challenges Courts’ Jurisdiction In Natasha’s Suspension

By Akinwale Kasali

Godswill Akpabio, Senate President  has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to hear the suit that was brought before it by the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The former Akwa Ibom State Governor through  his team of lawyers led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, queried the powers of the Court to meddle in the affairs of the Senate.

At the resumed proceeding in the matter on Monday, Ogunwumiju noted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to effect proper service of the court processes to enable him to file the necessary application to challenge its competence.

Aside from Senator Akpabio who was cited as the 3rd defendant in the matter, equally joined in the suit are: the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Michael Numa, SAN, maintained that all the parties were duly served. He drew the attention of the Court to affidavits of Service that are already in its record.

After going through the affidavits of service before court, Justice Obiora Egwatu confirmed that all the defendants were served.

Senator Akpabio’s prayed the court to grant a short adjournment for all the processes to be harmonised.

Justice Egwuata, however, adjourned the matter to March 25. He ordered the parties to file and exchange all the necessary processes before the date.