‘The Priest Was Speaking Directly to Me’, Says Akpabio as He Drops Nine Court Cases After New Year Sermon

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of nearly nine defamation lawsuits he filed against various individuals, saying a New Year sermon on peace and forgiveness prompted deep personal reflection.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits he instituted against several individuals, describing the decision as a product of personal reflection inspired by a New Year church sermon.

Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he disclosed that he had initiated close to nine court cases against people he accused of defaming and maligning his reputation.

According to the Senate President, his change of heart followed a homily delivered by the Parish Priest, which he said resonated deeply with him.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio told the congregation. “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 sermon, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Aka, and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, the Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, emphasised peace as a foundation for meaningful living. He urged worshippers to let go of past grievances and emotional burdens.

“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, marking a conciliatory start to the new year and closing a chapter of high-profile litigation.

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The withdrawal of the lawsuits comes amid a backdrop of intense legal and political disputes involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which had drawn national attention and sparked debates around free speech, gender, power and accountability in Nigeria’s political space.

The rift between both lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, openly criticised Akpabio following her suspension by the Senate. In response, Akpabio and his allies initiated multiple defamation suits against her and others who echoed or amplified the allegations.

The cases, estimated at nearly nine, sought retractions, public apologies and substantial damages, and were widely viewed as a test of the boundaries of political criticism and dissent in Nigeria’s democracy.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently maintained that her comments were made in the public interest and constituted legitimate political expression, vowing to defend herself vigorously in court.