The Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and imposed a cost of ₦100,000 against him. This decision stemmed from Akpabio’s withdrawal of an appeal related to a lawsuit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The three-member panel, led by Justice Hamman Barka, granted Akpabio’s request to withdraw the motions, effectively striking them out and concluding the matter at the appellate level. The ruling brought an end to Akpabio’s attempt to challenge an earlier decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The initial lawsuit, filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, likely pertained to a dispute arising from her senatorial role or interactions within the National Assembly. While the exact nature of the dispute isn’t detailed in the provided information, Akpabio’s involvement suggests a connection to his position as Senate President. His motions before the Court of Appeal sought various reliefs, including extensions of time to appeal and a stay of proceedings at the lower court. However, his subsequent withdrawal of these motions indicates a change in strategy or a potential resolution of the underlying issues with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio’s appeal, had it proceeded, would have challenged a March 10, 2025, decision of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu. The nature of Justice Egwuatu’s judgment and the specific grounds on which Akpabio intended to appeal are not revealed. However, the withdrawn appeal sought leave to appeal on “grounds of mixed law and fact,” suggesting potential arguments related to both the interpretation of legal principles and the factual circumstances of the case. This broad phrasing provides little insight into the specific legal arguments Akpabio intended to pursue. The motions also sought to extend the time within which he could file a notice of appeal, indicating he had initially missed the deadline for filing such a notice.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling to strike out the motions and award costs to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan signifies a victory for her in this procedural battle. While it doesn’t necessarily speak to the merits of the original lawsuit, it prevents Akpabio from pursuing his appeal at this juncture. The ₦100,000 cost imposed on Akpabio represents a relatively small financial penalty but symbolizes a legal setback and reinforces Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position in the ongoing legal dispute. The deletion of the appeal number from the court’s records formally closes this chapter of the legal proceedings.
This case highlights the complexities and intricacies of legal proceedings, particularly within the context of the Nigerian legislative branch. The interplay between senators, legal challenges, and procedural maneuvers underscores the importance of adherence to timelines and court procedures. Akpabio’s decision to withdraw his appeal suggests a strategic calculation, possibly influenced by the likelihood of success or a desire to avoid further legal expenses and potential negative publicity. The limited information provided leaves room for speculation regarding the motivations behind the actions of both parties involved.
The outcome of this legal skirmish, while seemingly procedural, may have implications for the broader political landscape within the Nigerian Senate. While the underlying dispute remains unresolved, the Court of Appeal’s ruling provides a temporary resolution to this particular legal challenge. Further developments and the ultimate resolution of the original lawsuit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will likely depend on negotiations between the parties or continued litigation within the judicial system. The limited information available prevents a deeper analysis of the substantive legal issues at play, focusing primarily on the procedural aspects of Akpabio’s withdrawn appeal.
