Senate President Godswill Akpabio has withdrawn all pending defamation suits, including the widely publicised N200 billion case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision follows a personal reflection inspired by a New Year Mass sermon in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at Sacred Heart Parish, Akpabio said he had nearly nine active lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming and slandering him. However, after listening to the homily delivered by the parish priest, he resolved to let go of the litigation.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio stated. “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.”
The move directly affects the high-profile defamation case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, drawing widespread media attention.
The parish priest and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, emphasised peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation in his homily. “The greatest thing that man needs is peace,” he said. “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.”
Akpabio’s decision signals a move towards personal reconciliation and is expected to ease tensions surrounding the ongoing legal battles, while also sending a broader message about resolving disputes outside the courtroom.
