In a remarkable New Year act of reconciliation, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed the withdrawal of all defamation lawsuits he had filed against political figures and other individuals.
A New Year Revelation at Sacred Heart Parish
The significant announcement was made publicly on Thursday, 2nd January 2026, at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Senator Akpabio was attending the New Year Mass when he was moved by the homily delivered by the Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, who also serves as the Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo.
Father Udoette had urged the congregation to release the burdens of past grievances. "All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on," the priest advised. This message resonated deeply with the Senate President.
Directive to Withdraw Nearly Nine Cases
Addressing the congregation after the sermon, Akpabio revealed the extent of his legal actions and his immediate decision. "I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name," he stated.
"But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them," the Senate President declared. Among the most prominent beneficiaries of this decision is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, with whom Akpabio had been engaged in a high-profile legal battle.
Closing a Chapter for a Fresh Start
This dramatic move effectively closes a contentious chapter of litigation that had drawn considerable public and media attention. By formally ending all pending defamation litigations, Akpabio signals a personal and political fresh start as 2026 begins.
Political observers and commentators have largely interpreted the gesture as a significant act of magnanimity from one of the nation's highest-ranking officials. It sets a tone of forgiveness and national healing at the dawn of the new year.
The withdrawal of the suits, particularly the one involving Senator Akpoti, is expected to reduce political tensions and marks a potential path toward greater collegiality within the National Assembly. The act sends a powerful message of reconciliation from the leadership of the Senate to the Nigerian public.
