by George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has announced the withdrawal of all pending lawsuits he instituted against individuals over alleged defamation, following a New Year homily delivered at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo.
Akpabio disclosed that the decision was inspired by the New Year homily at the Catholic parish, which centred on the theme of letting go of painful experiences to allow peace, healing, and reconciliation to reign. He said the message struck him personally during the service, prompting a moment of deep reflection.
According to him, he immediately directed his legal team to withdraw all cases pending before the courts. He revealed that nearly nine lawsuits had been instituted against individuals who, he said, had defamed him, spread falsehoods, and slandered his name over time.
The Senate President noted that while the legal actions were pursued to protect his reputation and integrity, the New Year message underscored the importance of forgiveness and inner peace over prolonged disputes.
Akpabio’s decision has attracted public attention as a rare gesture of reconciliation by a high-ranking public official, coming at the start of a new year often associated with reflection, renewal, and reconciliation.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, currently serves as the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
