Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he has instructed his legal team to discontinue all ongoing defamation cases he instituted against individuals in the past year, describing the decision as an act of personal reflection inspired during a New Year Catholic Mass.
Akpabio announced the move while worshipping at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, where he said the homily compelled him to forgive critics and opponents who, according to him, had maligned his character.
According to the Senate President, he had instituted nearly nine separate suits seeking redress over allegations he considered slanderous.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against individuals who defamed me and lied against me. But I listened to the priest and realised the message was for me. I have therefore directed my solicitor to withdraw all the cases.”
Over the past year, Akpabio had been involved in several highly publicised legal battles, including cases involving fellow lawmakers.
Among them was a major suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following allegations she made against him, which he repeatedly denied. The exchanges between both senators had escalated into multiple courtroom contests and counter-suits.
Akpabio’s latest announcement effectively draws a curtain on those contentious legal disputes.
He framed the decision as a gesture of reconciliation at the beginning of the year, saying it was time to “let go” and embrace peace.
The development is expected to ease tensions surrounding the spate of defamation litigations linked to the office of the Senate President, while also signalling what he described as a renewed commitment to forgiveness and unity as the new year unfolds.
