THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits he filed against several individuals, following what he described as a deeply moving New Year sermon delivered by a Catholic priest in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
News Point Nigeria reports that Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday while addressing worshippers at the Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, during a New Year’s Mass attended by prominent political leaders, clerics, and parishioners.
According to the Senate President, he had instituted nearly nine separate court cases against individuals he accused of defaming, slandering, and spreading falsehoods about him. However, the message preached by the priest during the Mass prompted a change of heart.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio told the congregation.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised that he was talking to me directly. So, I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” he announced to loud applause from the congregation.
During the homily, the priest emphasised peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation as essential values for personal growth and societal harmony.
He urged worshippers to release grudges and past hurts in order to move forward with clarity and purpose in the new year.
“The greatest thing humanity needs is peace,” the priest 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 announcement effectively brings to an end all ongoing legal actions arising from defamation claims that had attracted public attention in recent months. Legal sources confirmed that his lawyers would immediately begin the formal process of withdrawing the suits from the courts.
The decision marks a significant shift in tone for the former Akwa Ibom State governor, who has often defended his reputation vigorously in both political and legal arenas.
With the withdrawal of the lawsuits, Akpabio signalled his intention to start the year on a fresh note, prioritising peace over prolonged legal battles.
The Senate President concluded his remarks by urging Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and coexistence, echoing the priest’s message that true progress begins with letting go of bitterness and choosing peace.
