President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has announced the withdrawal of all defamation suits he instituted against several individuals, including the high-profile case against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio said the decision was inspired by a New Year sermon that emphasised forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.
Speaking during a New Year Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio disclosed that he had about nine defamation cases in court against persons he accused of spreading falsehoods and damaging his reputation. However, he said the homily delivered by the officiating priest compelled him to let go.
According to him, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name. But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised that the message was directed at me, and I therefore instruct my solicitors to withdraw all the lawsuits against them.”
The Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Aka, and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, had earlier stressed that peace remains humanity’s greatest need, urging the faithful to forgive and move forward.
READ ALSO: Steel Minister Sets 2026 Industrial Blueprint
Utsev Sets Direction for 2026, Vows Better Water Supply, Sanitation Services for Nigerians
“You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You must let go if you want to move forward,” he said.
With the announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all ongoing defamation-related litigations, including the widely reported case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, marking a conciliatory tone as the nation steps into the new year. Political observers say the move could ease tensions and foster reconciliation in the political landscape as 2026 unfolds.
About The Author
