Did You Also Ask Him Why He Appealed It? – Natasha Fires Back At Akpabio For Challenging Reinstatement

The suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has responded to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over a notice of appeal challenging the Federal High Court’s judgment in Abuja, which ordered her reinstatement to the upper legislative chamber.

Naijaonpoint reported that the appeal, dated July 14, 2025, was filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, and is registered as CA/A//2025. It stems from suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, filed earlier by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to contest her six-month suspension from the Senate.

In the appeal, obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, Akpabio faulted the July 4 ruling by Justice Binta Nyako, which declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension “excessive and legally unjustified.”

The Senate President is appealing on 11 grounds, arguing that the trial court erred in law when it assumed jurisdiction over what he described as a matter strictly involving the internal affairs of the National Assembly.

They cited Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, contending that the court overstepped its constitutional boundaries.

According to Akpabio’s legal team, the core of their argument rests on the belief that courts should not interfere with disciplinary or procedural matters within the Senate, especially those relating to the conduct and privileges of its members.

Akpabio is therefore urging the appellate court to reverse the decision of the Federal High Court and affirm the Senate’s right to suspend members in accordance with its Standing Rules.

However, during an encounter with journalists at the screening of “Double Minority,” a documentary event organised by Daria Media in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, Natasha declined to comment when asked if she planned to resume her legislative duties.

Pressed further on Akpabio’s appeal, she flinched and said, “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?”