The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits filed against several individuals, stating that he was deeply moved by the counsel of a Catholic priest during a New Year’s Mass in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Sen. Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, where he attended a New Year’s service. He revealed that he had instituted close to nine defamation suits against individuals he accused of making false and damaging claims about him.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” the Senate President said.
He explained that the priest’s message during the Mass prompted a moment of personal reflection, leading him to reconsider his actions.
“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,” Akpabio added.
During the homily, the priest emphasised the importance of peace and forgiveness, urging worshippers to live harmoniously with one another and release past grievances.
“The greatest thing humanity needs is peace,” the priest said, calling on parishioners to embrace reconciliation.
He further urged them to let go of past pains, saying, “You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. We all carry some baggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on.”
With the announcement, Akpabio has effectively brought to a close all pending legal actions arising from defamation claims.
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