By Peter Omopo
Legal experts have commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for recusing himself from the presidential panel investigating allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the move as a wise and necessary step to uphold the integrity of the probe.
The panel, constituted by President Bola Tinubu on April 2, 2025, is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and tasked with investigating the allegations that have sparked nationwide discourse. The panel initially included representatives nominated by both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as other senior government officials.
Reacting to Akpabio’s withdrawal, legal professionals said his decision reflects sound judgment and a commitment to due process.
In a statement on Friday, former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, described the recusal as “the right thing to do.”
“He decided not to be part of that committee because, if he is, there would be a strong perception of bias. So, the best course of action was for him to step down,” Unegbu said, noting that the move would safeguard the credibility of the panel’s findings.
Similarly, Principal Partner at Deux Loadstar Chambers, Adedotun Otakumaiya, praised Akpabio for adhering to the principles of legal ethics. He noted that the Senate President’s action should be seen as a model for how public officials should respond in sensitive legal matters.
The panel is expected to continue its investigations without Akpabio’s direct involvement, as public attention remains focused on the outcome of the high-profile case.
