A group of legislative lawyers under the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has filed a pre-action notice at the Federal High Court, seeking an order to compel Senate President Godswill Akpabio to temporarily step aside while testifying in the defamation trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Citing Order 22 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023, ALDRAP argues the Senate must elect a President pro tempore to preside over plenary sessions during Akpabio’s court appearances. They gave Akpabio 48 hours to comply or face litigation and possible recall moves.
Akpabio is listed as a key prosecution witness in the trial, where Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of defaming him and ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, including claims that they plotted to harm her and were involved in the murder of Uyo job seeker Iniobong Umoren—allegations she denies.
Justice Chizoba Orji granted Akpoti-Uduaghan bail set at ₦50 million with one surety.
The case is set to resume on September 23, 2024, as legal tensions rise in both the Senate and the judiciary.
