NEWS
Appeal Court affirms suspension of Natasha
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, ruling that the upper chamber acted within its constitutional and legislative powers.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday by a three-member panel in appeal suit marked CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025, the appellate court held that the suspension did not violate the senator’s parliamentary privileges or her fundamental rights under the Constitution.
The lead judgment, read by Justice A. B. Muhammed, emphasized that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was justified under the Senate Standing Rules in refusing to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025. The court noted that she was not seated in her officially allotted seat at the time.
The justices further clarified that the Senate President has the authority to reallocate seats among lawmakers, and senators may only address the chamber from their designated positions.
The ruling stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge to her suspension, naming the Clerk of the National Assembly and three others as respondents.
However, the court granted partial relief to the appellant by setting aside the contempt proceedings and a N5 million fine previously imposed on her. These sanctions related to a satirical apology she had directed at the Senate President.
The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old Abia State indigene, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity home and performing surgical procedures without any medical or surgical qualifications.
Mrs. Charles, who is married to a man from Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, reportedly ran a traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area. She is accused of carrying out caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries, and other surgical procedures despite lacking the necessary professional certification and authorisation.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to performing the unauthorised medical procedures. She reportedly disclosed that she was previously known as Eze Nwanyi before becoming a church minister and later positioning herself as a surgeon.
Confirming the arrest, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said surgical instruments and other medical equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal operations were recovered during a search of the facility. Hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated were also discovered on the premises.
Officials further found what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the facility.
The illegal maternity home has been confiscated pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while Mrs. Charles is expected to be arraigned in a competent court.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally received the presidential nomination forms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 general elections, confirming Shettima’s retention as the party’s vice presidential candidate.
The National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, received the nomination forms on Friday during a formal ceremony held at the Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari.
The high-profile event was attended by several key party figures and state governors, including:
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma
Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni
Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris
Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf
Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani
Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum
Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri
Senior party leaders and stakeholders were also present at the ceremony.
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