Politics
Natasha’s Counsel Writes Senate Over Court Judgment
The legal counsel to the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has faulted the National Assembly’s interpretation of a Federal High Court’s judgment which ordered her reinstatement to the Senate, insisting that the judgment was binding and must be complied with in full.
In a rejoinder dated July 14, and addressed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling, Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Mr Charles Yoila, Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Mr Michael Numa (SAN), accused the Senate of misinterpreting the decision of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of National Assembly & 3 Ors.
The lawyers responded to an earlier correspondence from the National Assembly dated the same day, in which the Senate purportedly treated the court’s judgment as advisory. They argued that the enrolled judgment was not suggestive, but declaratory and mandatory in nature.
“The preamble of the enrolled order begins with the words ‘it is hereby ordered’ and proceeds to enumerate 12 distinct and substantive orders,” the letter stated.
“Of particular relevance is Order 12 which directed that the Senate should recall the plaintiff. While the word ‘should’ is used, the context of the full judgment supports a binding construction”, it argued.
The legal team noted that the plaintiff had sought, among other reliefs, an order nullifying the recommendations and findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which had led to her suspension. They further referenced that the plaintiff’s application for a mandatory injunction was heard alongside the substantive matter and was incorporated into the composite judgment.
Referencing Order 4 of the enrolled judgment, Mr Numa maintained that the court had adjudged the suspension of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan as unconstitutional, excessive, and ultra vires.
He contended that, pursuant to Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate’s action was null and void to the extent of its inconsistency with constitutional provisions.
The letter made reference to Section 287(3) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and persons to give effect to the decisions of courts. It also invoked Section 318, which defines a court decision to include judgment, decree, order, conviction, sentence, or recommendation.
To reinforce the legal position, the letter cited *Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd* (2025) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1994) 125 at 144–145, where the Supreme Court held that recommendations arising from adjudicated disputes may constitute binding judicial acts.
“The judgment in this case falls squarely within the definition of enforceable judicial determinations,” Mr Numa argued, urging the Legal Services Directorate to revisit the enrolled order and advise the Senate to comply accordingly.
He emphasised that compliance with the judgment was not optional or discretionary, but a constitutional obligation binding on the Senate under the principle of separation of powers and judicial supremacy.
In a final note, the legal team informed the National Assembly that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her legislative duties on July 22, especially in light of the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as a moment of national transition.
The letter concluded with a caution that the embattled senator reserves the right to pursue all legal avenues to enforce her rights should the Senate continue to defy the judgment.
This development sets the tone for a potential legal showdown between the judiciary and the legislature over the enforcement of court orders, especially in politically sensitive matters involving elected representatives.
Politics
Rivers Assembly Resumes Sitting After Six-Month Suspension

The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday resumed plenary session after a six-month state of emergency imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu elapsed on Wednesday midnight.
President Bola Tinubu had lifted the emergency rule on September 17, with the Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly asked to resume duties on September 18.
The plenary was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, at the conference hall located within the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The conference hall has served as the lawmakers’ temporary chamber since their official chamber at the assembly complex on Moscow Road was torched and later pulled down by the state government.
The outgone sole administrator of the state, Ibok-Ete Ibas, could not complete the reconstruction of the assembly complex as promised.
Recall that on March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political standoff between Fubara and members of the House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He subsequently suspended the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and lawmakers for six months and installed a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to manage the state’s affairs.
The decision sparked widespread controversy, with critics accusing the president of breaching the Constitution.
However, others hailed the move as a necessary and pragmatic step.
Politics
2027: Bayelsa APC Adopts Tinubu As Sole Candidate … As Lokpobiri, Lyon Shun Meeting
Politics
Alleged Smear Campaign Against Yakubu, CSOs Demand Apology From Uzodimma

During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
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