The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has instructed his legal team to discontinue all ongoing defamation cases against several individuals, explaining that he was deeply moved by the counsel of a priest during a New Year’s Mass.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, where he revealed that he had instituted close to nine lawsuits against people he accused of tarnishing his reputation.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” he said.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
During his homily, the priest emphasised the importance of peace, describing it as one of humanity’s greatest needs, and urged worshippers to coexist harmoniously.
He encouraged parishioners to release past grievances and emotional burdens in order to move forward.
“You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on.”
Following the announcement, all pending legal actions linked to alleged defamation against the Senate President have now been formally brought to an end, marking a public close to the widely reported litigations at the beginning of the new year.
What you should know
Senator Godswill Akpabio’s decision to withdraw multiple defamation lawsuits reflects a symbolic move toward reconciliation and peace at the start of the year.
By acting on the priest’s message, the Senate President signalled a personal and public choice to prioritise harmony over prolonged legal battles. The withdrawal of the cases brings an end to disputes that had attracted public attention and underscores the influence of moral and religious counsel in shaping political decisions.
The development has been interpreted by observers as a gesture aimed at fostering calm and reducing tension in the public space.
