The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all defamation lawsuits he instituted against several individuals, saying he was moved by a priest’s sermon during a New Year Mass.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he revealed that he had filed close to nine defamation cases against persons he accused of lying against and slandering him.
According to him, the decision followed reflections prompted by the homily delivered by the priest during the service.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,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.”he said.
During the homily, the priest emphasised the need for peace and reconciliation, urging parishioners to live harmoniously with one another in the new year.
He admonished the congregation to let go of past grievances, saying peace could only be achieved by releasing pain and resentment.
“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,” the priest said.
Akpabio has brought to an end all pending defamation-related legal actions, marking a symbolic closure to the disputes at the beginning of the new year.