Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated the legal battle over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Supreme Court, contesting a Court of Appeal decision that struck out the Federal Government’s brief in the matter.
The appellate court had dismissed the brief on procedural grounds, citing several violations, including the use of an unauthorized font size, exceeding the stipulated 35-page limit, and failure to seek leave to regularize the defects.
In his appeal, Akpabio contends that the Court of Appeal breached his constitutional right to a fair hearing by declining to grant leave to correct the defective brief or to permit an extension beyond the page limit. He is asking the Supreme Court to set aside the appellate proceedings and allow him to refile his arguments in compliance with the rules of court.
The case has fueled speculation about possible political undercurrents, with some analysts viewing it as part of a broader power struggle within the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has responded cautiously, expressing confidence in the judiciary and emphasizing that due process should be upheld.
Meanwhile, legal commentators point out that the right to fair hearing does not override strict adherence to procedural rules. They note that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team complied fully with court requirements, a factor that may undermine claims of unfair treatment.
