
The Digest:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced he has directed his lawyers to withdraw nearly nine defamation lawsuits he filed against individuals, attributing the decision to a spiritual awakening during a New Year's mass. The announcement came at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he said a priest’s message prompted the move.
Key Points:
- Akpabio said he had filed “almost nine cases” against people he claimed defamed and slandered him.
- He cited a moment of reflection during the church service as the reason for his sudden change of heart.
- One of the most prominent lawsuits was a N200 billion defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
- Akpoti-Uduaghan had publicly accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her in 2025.
- The Senate President has repeatedly denied the allegations, which followed a heated debate in the chamber over seating arrangements.
- By withdrawing the suits, Akpabio effectively ends a series of high-profile legal confrontations.
- The decision marks a significant reversal in his approach to managing public allegations against him.
Sources: The Cable, Akpabio’s Address at Sacred Heart Parish