News
CJ transfers Natasha’s case to Justice Nyako
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others to Justice Binta Nyako.
The case, which was initially handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, will now be heard afresh by Justice Nyako following Egwuatu’s withdrawal from the matter. His decision came after allegations of bias were reportedly raised by Akpabio, the third defendant in the suit.
Justice Egwuatu withdrew from the case on March 25, citing concerns over judicial integrity.
“Justice is rooted in confidence in the court. Once a litigant expresses his belief that there is bias or likelihood of bias on the part of the judge, it will not be in the interest of justice for the judge to continue,” he stated.
He forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had filed the lawsuit to halt an investigation into her alleged misconduct by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. She had sought an interim injunction to prevent the committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her.
Justice Egwuatu previously issued an order on March 4 declaring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate null and void. However, on March 19, he set aside a portion of his ruling after hearing arguments from both sides. The Senate had filed a motion urging the court to vacate the order, arguing that it interfered with its legislative duties and could lead to a constitutional crisis.
During legal proceedings, the Senate’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, argued that the court’s order restrained the Senate from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa, opposed the motion, describing it as a disregard for the court’s authority. He urged the court to dismiss the Senate’s application and take disciplinary action against the defendants for contempt.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also filed a contempt charge, asserting that her suspension was a deliberate violation of the court’s interim injunction. She maintained that the court’s directive was duly served on the defendants, but they proceeded with actions in defiance of the ruling.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants the National Assembly the authority to manage its internal affairs, including disciplining its members. However, this power is not unlimited. It must be exercised in accordance with constitutional provisions, due process, and the rule of law.
The principle of separation of powers, outlined in Section 4 for the legislature, Section 6 for the judiciary, and Section 5 for the executive, ensures that each arm of government functions independently without interference. However, courts have the authority to review legislative actions if they infringe on fundamental rights or violate existing laws.
Judicial rulings have established that while legislatures hold disciplinary authority, their actions must align with the principles of natural justice, particularly the right to a fair hearing, as outlined in Section 36 of the Constitution. The outcome of this case could clarify the extent of legislative immunity and determine whether courts can override Senate disciplinary actions when due process is at stake.
In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.
Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.
He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..
According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.
Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable 
development in the state.
This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.
By Kennedy Atevure
Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.
Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.
Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.
The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.
The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.
Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.
News
Senate President moves to build capacity for Senate Clerk, other officials for efficient performance
In a deliberate bid to build capacity for the Senate Clerk and other officials of clerks-at-the-table, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has encouraged refresher courses for such officials to bolster their performance levels for efficiency and effectiveness.
The first to benefit from the initiative was the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Andrew Nwoba, who just rounded off his one-month refresher course on Thursday, April 10, 2025 and is due to resume at his desk in plenary when they reconvene, 29th April, 2025.
This positive development is contrary to media reports on Thursday, April 10, 2025, insinuating that the Senate President passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Nwoba’s capacity to properly guide the upper legislative chamber during the sittings.
An official of the National Assembly said that the President of the Senate, in his leadership consideration, magnanimity and support for top officials of the Senate and other staff members, approved a refresher course for the Clerk Senate, Andrew Nwoba.
The approval was to free him from his responsibilities in the chamber for a month. The Deputy Clerk (legislative) acted in his absence.
Reports said that having served creditably as Clerk of National Population and Gas committees, Secretary, Legislative Budget and currently, Clerk Senate, Mr Nwoba has garnered requisite experience to proactively guide and advise on adherence and compliance with the Standing Rules of the Senate.
Besides, staff members agree that Nwoba has efficiently and responsibly discharged his role as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Senate.
As Senate Clerk, Nwoba ensures smooth proceedings in line with procedural orders that are circumscribed in the Standing Rules of the Senate.
In addition to ensuring legislative due process through the eyes of the rules, he also discharges other administrative duties.
The Clerk Senate performs these overarching assignments with the assistance of two Deputy Senate Clerks, one in charge of legislative duties and the other in charge of administration.
An official explained that the refresher course could hold any time and would not disrupt the workings of the clerks-at-the-table since there are enough hands, particularly, Deputy Clerk (Legislative), to deploy in plenary to guide, direct and advise the presiding officer in his absence.
As learnt, Nwoba, has been doing this by allowing the Deputy Clerk (Legislative) to help guide, direct and advise the presiding officer, and the synergy has been adjudged to be “progressive and productive.”
Another official said in a chat that “It is most unfortunate, that some naysayers want to create bad blood between the President of the Senate and the Clerk of the Senate by making tenuous utterances and unfounded insinuations.
“The Clerk of Senate has been enjoying the support of the Senate President. He particularly received his unequivocal support during his elevation to the position by the National Assembly service Commission. The Clerk, in turn, has tremendous respect and regards for the President of the Senate, his leadership style, his listening ears, his simple nature, which are qualities that are rare in today’s political space.
“Out of his concern for the Senate Clerk, considering his zeal, determination, dedication and passion for the job, the Senate President respectfully asked him to go for a month refresher course to enhance top-notch performance and greater efficiency. This, for me, is the real vote of confidence in the Clerk Senate.”
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