Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has announced his decision to withdraw all court cases he instituted against individuals who made allegations against him, saying the move was inspired by a New Year sermon he attended on Thursday.
Akpabio disclosed this at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, where he worshipped during the New Year service. According to him, the homily focused on forgiveness and the need to let go of past hurts in order to allow peace to prevail.
The Senate President explained that the message struck a personal chord, prompting him to take immediate action.
“After listening to today’s New Year Homily, at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, which dwelt on letting go of the painful past for peace to reign, I have decided to forgive all of them,” Akpabio said.
He added, “I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me.”
Akpabio revealed that he promptly instructed his legal team to discontinue all pending suits. “I there and then, directed my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” he stated.
Among the cases to be withdrawn is an alleged defamation suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Providing further insight, Akpabio noted that he had several matters before the courts. “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me and who slandered my name,” he said.
He maintained that the decision was taken in the spirit of the New Year, emphasizing forgiveness, reconciliation and the pursuit of peace.
