Legal scholar Dr. Tonye Jaja has warned Olisa Agbakoba SAN of possible reputational damage over his public defence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Jaja issued the warning in an open letter dated April 30, urging Agbakoba to avoid public commentary on the sexual harassment allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He noted that Agbakoba’s “touring press conferences” on the matter risk undermining legal ethics and could damage both his and his client’s credibility.
Jaja reminded Agbakoba that the Senate Committee on Ethics had dismissed the allegations. The committee included legal professionals and Senior Advocates like Monday Ubani.
He argued that further pushing the issue may breach Senator Natasha’s constitutional protection against double jeopardy.
Referencing legal principles including sub judice and clean hands, Jaja cautioned against handling active legal matters through media campaigns.
He emphasised that public arguments should not substitute proper legal proceedings in a courtroom.
Jaja questioned Agbakoba’s motive, citing a N300 billion defamation suit filed by Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, against Senator Natasha.
According to Jaja, a seasoned lawyer like Agbakoba should avoid politicized media interventions in an already sensitive matter.
He also accused Akpabio of seeking fairness through the courts while allegedly denying others the same as Chairman of the Institute for Legislative Studies.
Jaja argued that the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha by the Senate was unconstitutional and morally unjustified.
He said the suspension violated Senate Standing Orders, which limit disciplinary action to 14 days.
Jaja called Agbakoba’s approach conciliatory but insisted reconciliation must begin with Akpabio correcting procedural violations.
He urged Agbakoba to reflect on the moral risks involved and not allow ambition to cloud his professional judgment.
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Jaja concluded that justice demands fairness, not media warfare.
He said even respected advocates like Agbakoba must remain cautious when representing clients in politically charged controversies.
Jaja, who trained under Chinonye Obiagwu SAN and now practices in Lesotho, said his warning was driven by concern for legal integrity.
