News
National Assembly writes Natasha’s lawyer, insists court didn’t order her reinstatement
The National Assembly has informed the legal counsel to Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the judgement of the Federal High Court did not issue any binding directive her immediate reinstatement to the Senate.
In a letter dated 14 July and addressed to her legal counsel, Michael Numa, SAN, the National Assembly stated that no court order exists compelling the Senate or its leadership to reinstate the suspended senator.
The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, director of Litigation and Counselling at the National Assembly, was written on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).
The response came after Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan notified the National Assembly through her lawyer, of her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, 15 July, urging the Senate leadership to treat her notice as urgent and in line with the court judgement to avoid contempt proceedings.
However, the National Assembly management maintained that the judgement by Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court was merely advisory not an enforceable order.
“For our summary of the judgement order, there is no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025 by Hon. Justice B.F.N. Nyako for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with. The declaratory judgment merely advised the Defendants to exercise their power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her to represent them.”
The National Assembly, therefore, urged the senator’s legal team to exercise patience and await a final decision from the Senate.
“Accordingly, you may wish to advise your client to await the action of the Senate to exercise their power of recall as advised by the court and in terms with the judgement of the Honourable Court, please.”
The Clerk’s stance reinforces the position earlier expressed by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, who on Sunday stated that the Certified True Copy of the court’s Enrolled Order did not include any declaratory or injunctive pronouncement compelling the Senate to reinstate Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan.
What the court ruling actually says
The judge, Mrs Nyako delivered a judgment in the senator’s favour, saying that suspending an elected lawmaker for six months effectively denies a constituency its right to representation.
However, the judgement stopped short of ordering her immediate recall. She offered an advisory opinion urging the Senate to reconsider the suspension but did not issue a binding directive enforcing her reinstatement.
In a separate aspect of the judgement, the court found Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of civil contempt over a satirical post she made on social media, which the court believed was disrespectful to its proceedings.
Instead of sentencing her to prison, the judge imposed a N5 million fine and ordered her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days. She has since appealed this aspect of the judgement.
Legal analysts have noted that the judgement highlights the complex balance between judicial oversight and legislative independence. While courts can review legislative conduct to ensure constitutional compliance, they are generally reluctant to interfere directly in parliamentary procedures.
Akpabio appeals judgement
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has filed a cross-appeal at the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the judgement.
In the notice of cross-appeal dated 11 July, Mr Akpabio, through his counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, argued that the Federal High Court erred in law and committed a miscarriage of justice by ruling against the Senate.
The appeal, which raises eleven grounds, challenged both the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and the substantive ruling itself.
Mr Akpabio argued that the court lacked the authority to intervene in the Senate’s disciplinary process, especially as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions had not completed its investigation at the time the suit was instituted.
He further contended that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms available under the Senate Standing Orders before approaching the court, rendering the case premature.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).
Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.
According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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