Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits against various individuals. The decision came on Thursday after he attended a New Year’s Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Akpabio stated that he was deeply moved by the priest’s sermon on forgiveness and peace.
Speaking to the congregation, the Senate President revealed that he had initiated nearly nine different legal actions against people he accused of slandering his character. He noted that these individuals had lied against him and defamed his name over time. However, the message from the pulpit changed his perspective entirely.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio explained. He admitted that while listening to the homily, he felt the priest was speaking directly to his conscience. Consequently, he ordered his solicitors to terminate the litigation immediately.
During the service, the presiding priest emphasized that peace is the greatest need of humanity. He admonished the parishioners to let go of past grievances to move forward in the new year. “All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on,” the cleric preached.
This directive marks the end of several high-profile legal disputes involving the Senate President. Akpabio’s move signals a personal commitment to reconciliation as the nation begins 2026. He expressed hope that this gesture would foster unity and reduce political tension in the state.
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