Natasha and Akpabio
By Publisher
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central will on Tuesday begin to face trial on contempt allegations over a purported violation of a court directive via social media before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The complaint was brought by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with whom she had squared up over alleged sexual harassment.
Justice Binta Nyako, who is the Presiding Judge has confirmed that the hearing is slated for noon and indicated that both contempt applications — one from Akpabio and the other from Akpoti-Uduaghan — would be addressed.
Speaking during Monday’s session, the judge also demanded that a copy of the Senate rules be made available.
Justice Nyako had on April 4 barred the disputants from making public comments on the ongoing case through the media or on social media.
However, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN,
Akpabio’s counsel, had accused Natasha of continuous media appearances, claiming that it was against the court’s instructions.
Consequently, the Senate President filed a motion accusing Natasha of defying the court’s directive by posting a “satirical letter” on her Facebook page.
The embattled lawmaker also lodged a contempt complaint against Akpabio, the Senate, and others, contending 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.
She had sued 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.
