In a significant twist of events, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the contempt charge suit filed by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and others to Justice Binta Nyako.
It was gathered on Thursday, April 3, that the hearing of the suit has been fixed for Friday, April 4, which was earlier before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
As reported by PM News, the hearing of the suit will begin afresh (de Novo) before Justice Nyako.
Why was the case reassigned?
It was gathered that the development followed Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal from the matter after citing allegations of bias reportedly levelled against him by the senate president, who is the 3rd defendant in the matter.
Justice Egwuatu had, on March 25, reportedly withdrew from the suit filed by the suspended senator who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, to stop her investigation by the Senate over alleged misconduct.
The suit had sought to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from going ahead with the disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct against the embattled lawmaker.
In a new development, Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal from the case shortly after the case was called.
The judge said:
“Justice is rooted in confidence in the court.
“Once a litigant expresses his believe that there is bias or likelihood of bias on the part of the judge, it will not be in the interest of justice for the judge to continue.
“One of the defendants in this matter has expressed such believe in writing.
“In that circumstances, the honourable thing for the court to do is to desist from the conduct of the matter.
“Accordingly, I recuse myself from this matter.
“The case file is accordingly forwarded to my lord, the chief judge for further directive.”
Meanwhile, Justice Nyako on Friday will start hearing in the the suit afresh.
Recall: Natasha warns Akpabio, thanks INEC
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked INEC, as the electoral commission rejected her recall over a lack of constitutional compliance.
Natasha, who is currently under a six-month suspension from the Senate over a lack of adherence to rules, warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Gov Yahaya Bello.
