Presiding Judge Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja will on Tuesday proceed with hearing contempt allegations brought against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, concerning a purported violation of a court directive via social media.
Justice Nyako who said the hearing will take place at 12 pm, pointed out that both contempt applications, one from Akpabio and the other from Akpoti-Uduaghan — would be addressed.
Justice Nyako this Monday demanded that a copy of the Senate rules as well be brought to court on Tuesday, assuring in her words, “I am going to clear the diary.”
The dispute follows a prior ruling issued on April 4 by Justice Nyako, which prohibited all involved parties from making public comments through the media or on social media regarding the ongoing case.
Recall, Counsel to Akpabio, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, had earlier raised concerns over alleged continuous media appearances by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and filed a motion accusing her of defying the court’s directive by posting a “satirical letter” on her Facebook page.
Responding, Akpoti-Uduaghan also lodged a contempt complaint against Akpabio, the Senate, and others, arguing that her suspension from the legislative body violated a standing order by former presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which had instructed all defendants to refrain from any actions pending the outcome of the case.
The embattled Senator had taken legal action against the Clerk of the National Assembly, Senate President Akpabio, the Senate itself, Senator Neda Imasuen, and the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct — listed respectively as the 1st through 4th defendants in her suit.
