Akpabio Forgives Offenders, Withdraws ₦200bn Defamation Suit Against Akpoti-Uduaghan

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has forgiven those he described as his offenders and withdrawn all pending court cases against them, including the high-profile ₦200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The decision, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, followed a sermon on forgiveness delivered by Reverend Father Donatus Udoette during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Eyiboh stated that Akpabio, attending the January 1, 2026 service as a regular worshipper, was deeply moved by the homily, which centred on letting go of anger and choosing peace over personal grievances.

“At a point during the sermon, the Senate President realised the message was speaking directly to him,” Eyiboh said. “He resolved not only to forgive in words but to back it up with action, directing that all pending defamation suits be withdrawn.”

Besides the Akpoti-Uduaghan case, about nine other defamation suits, some involving Akpabio’s close associates, will no longer be pursued. Eyiboh emphasised that this decision should not be seen as weakness but as an act of leadership inspired by faith.

“Senator Akpabio is a committed Christian. His faith is not seasonal or for public display. He believes that power is entrusted by God and must be exercised with moral responsibility,” Eyiboh explained.

He added that forgiveness, in this context, is both a personal virtue and a political strategy. “Legal battles consume attention and tether leaders to old grievances. To let them go is to reclaim focus and recommit to nation-building,” he said.

Eyiboh further noted that the move promotes unity within the Senate, especially at a time when cohesion is crucial amid rumours of internal disagreements. “Choosing reconciliation over escalation strengthens leadership without intimidation,” he added.

According to Eyiboh, Akpabio’s gesture sends a public lesson about the exercise of power. “By choosing forgiveness over litigation, he signals that leadership does not require perpetual combat. The true test will be whether this act of forgiveness cools tempers, reshapes conduct, and encourages reciprocal restraint,” he said.