Akpabio Withdraws Multiple Defamation Lawsuits After Cleric’s Message

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits against several individuals, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following reflections prompted by a sermon delivered by a priest at a New Year service.

Akpabio announced the decision during the service at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, saying he had initially instructed lawyers to file nearly nine separate suits over alleged defamation and slander.

He told the congregation that listening to the priest’s message led him to reconsider that stance and opt for forgiveness.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, lied against me and slandered my name. But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking to me,” Akpabio said, adding, “Therefore, I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

The Senate President’s decision marks a significant shift from a period of multiple legal actions tied to public disputes, including a high-profile N200 billion defamation suit filed against Akpoti-Uduaghan earlier in December, which alleged she made false and injurious claims about him, an action that had drawn considerable public attention.