Legal experts have praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for recusing himself from the presidential panel investigating allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The panel, constituted by President Bola Tinubu on April 2, 2025, is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
It includes representatives nominated by both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as other senior government officials.
The investigation has drawn national attention due to the gravity of the claims.
In a statement on Friday, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, a prominent legal authority and former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, commended Akpabio’s decision, calling it a necessary step to ensure fairness. “His recusal removes the assumption that he is an interested party.
It is the right and ethical thing to do,” Unegbu said.
Adedotun Otakumaiya, Principal Partner at Deux Loadstar Chambers, Lagos, echoed the sentiment, describing the move as a demonstration of legal integrity.
“We must separate legal obligations from political considerations,” he stated. “The law emphasizes fairness and justice.
You cannot be a judge in your own case, and Akpabio has acted accordingly.”
Otakumaiya emphasized that while political influence is inevitable, the Senate President’s decision aligns with legal and moral expectations.
“In politics, influence plays a role. But within the law, Akpabio did what was required. That should be the standard for justice.”
Addressing concerns over Akpabio’s continued influence, Otakumaiya acknowledged the inherent power of the office.
“As Senate President, he still holds significant authority. He appoints committee members and shapes their mandate.
Naturally, he may choose individuals he trusts. Still, his recusal remains within the bounds of the law.”
Legal observers say the move is a positive sign for the credibility of the panel and a step toward ensuring impartiality in the ongoing investigation.