The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all pending defamation lawsuits he instituted against several individuals, saying a New Year homily profoundly changed his perspective.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, where he revealed that he had filed close to nine court cases against individuals he accused of defaming and maligning his reputation.
According to the Senate President, his decision followed deep personal reflection sparked by the sermon delivered by the Parish Priest during the service.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio said. “But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking directly to me. I therefore direct my solicitors to withdraw all the lawsuits against them.”
In his homily, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Aka, and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, the Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, stressed the importance of peace, urging worshippers to release themselves from past hurts and grievances.
“The greatest thing man needs is peace,” Father Udoette said. “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 directive effectively brings an end to all ongoing defamation-related legal actions involving his name, signalling a conciliatory beginning to the new year and closing a chapter of high-profile litigations tied to his public life.
