A group of legal experts has commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for recusing himself from the presidential panel investigating sexual harassment allegations brought against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
They described Akpabio’s withdrawal as a wise legal move aimed at preserving the credibility of the investigative process and avoiding any perception of bias or conflict of interest.
The panel, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on April 2, 2025, is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and includes representatives nominated by both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, along with other senior government officials.
Speaking on Friday, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, a respected legal figure and former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, praised Akpabio’s decision as the proper course of action. “By stepping down, he avoided the appearance of being an interested party, which is the appropriate and responsible thing to do,” Unegbu stated, emphasizing that the move strengthens the credibility of the investigation.
Similarly, Adedotun Otakumaiya, Principal Partner at Deux Loadstar Chambers in Lagos, supported Akpabio’s decision, commending him for upholding legal ethics. “People often confuse legal and political expectations. Legally, you cannot be a judge in your own case. Stepping aside aligns with the principles of justice, equity, and fairness,” he said.
Otakumaiya acknowledged the political undercurrents but stressed the importance of respecting legal procedures. “In politics, influence is inevitable. As Senate President, Akpabio holds significant power and could potentially sway the panel's composition. But despite that, he acted within the bounds of the law, and that is commendable.”
He concluded by reiterating that while political maneuvering may persist, Akpabio’s decision to recuse himself meets both the moral and legal expectations of his office.
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