President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his legal team to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying his decision was inspired by a sermon delivered during the 2026 New Year Mass.
Akpabio disclosed on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, where he attended the New Year service. He revealed that he had instituted about nine defamation suits against individuals he accused of spreading falsehoods and damaging his reputation.
According to him, the priest’s message during the service deeply resonated with him, prompting a personal reflection that led to his decision.
“While listening to the priest, I felt he was speaking directly to me,” Akpabio said, noting that the sermon emphasised the need for peace, forgiveness, and letting go of past grievances.
The priest had urged parishioners to embrace peace, live harmoniously with one another, and move forward without bitterness as the new year begins.
By withdrawing the suits, Akpabio has formally brought an end to all pending defamation-related legal actions, signalling a desire for reconciliation and closure at the start of 2026.
