Senate President Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Cases Following New Year’s Sermon

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has taken the surprising step of withdrawing all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, citing the counsel of a priest during a New Year’s Mass as the impetus for his decision.

Speaking on Thursday at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio revealed that he had initiated nearly nine separate legal actions against individuals he accused of defaming him. “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” he said.

However, the senator explained that a message delivered during the Mass prompted a change of heart. “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,” Akpabio announced, signaling an abrupt end to the highly publicized litigations.

During his sermon, the priest emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation, urging parishioners to live harmoniously with one another. He encouraged letting go of past grievances, stating, “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 formally closes all pending legal disputes related to defamation claims, marking a significant and conciliatory gesture at the start of the new year. Observers note that the decision reflects a rare instance of public figures choosing reconciliation over prolonged litigation, setting a tone of forgiveness and unity for 2026.