A fresh year often brings quiet decisions that carry loud consequences, and for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, one such decision involved stepping away from the courtroom.
Rather than continuing a trail of high-profile defamation suits, he chose a different path—one shaped by faith, reflection, and what he describes as the responsibilities of leadership.
Why Akpabio Walked Away from the Courts
Akpabio explained that withdrawing his defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, along with several other legal actions, was not an impulsive move.
According to a statement released in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the decision was intentional and deeply considered.
The statement noted that Akpabio had never shied away from using the courts to defend his reputation.
Legal action, in his case, had long been a tool for pushing back against what he saw as false or damaging claims.
Choosing to let go of that option, therefore, marked a significant break from an established pattern of power.
Forgiveness as a Leadership Strategy
Rather than presenting forgiveness as a soft or sentimental act, Akpabio framed it as a form of political philosophy.
Leading a Senate of 109 lawmakers, each with strong ambitions and opinions, demands more than legal muscle.
It requires restraint, credibility, and a willingness to model the behaviour expected from others.
Constant litigation, he argued, risks distracting from governance and undermining the stability needed to move legislative work forward.
For him, setting an example carried more weight than winning another legal battle.
A Senate Focused on Stability and Results
Akpabio pointed to the Senate’s recent track record as evidence of this approach paying off.
Over the past two years, more than 96 bills have been passed, with at least 58 already signed into law by the President. Such productivity, he suggested, is not accidental.
A chamber once known for drama and political theatrics has remained relatively calm, reflecting a leadership style that prioritises consensus over confrontation.
From this perspective, withdrawing lawsuits becomes less about personal peace and more about public instruction—what he described as “civic pedagogy.”
The Faith Moment That Changed Everything
The turning point, Akpabio revealed, came during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A homily on forgiveness struck a personal chord.
Listening to the priest, he felt the message was directed squarely at him.
During the service, he openly admitted to having nearly nine defamation cases in court against individuals he believed had lied about or slandered him.
In that moment of reflection, he made a decision on the spot, directing his lawyer to withdraw all the suits.
High-Profile Cases and Lingering Tensions
Among the withdrawn cases was a ₦200 billion defamation suit filed in late 2025 against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The suit followed her allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio had firmly denied and previously challenged her to prove in court.
Earlier, Akpabio’s wife had also filed separate defamation actions against the Kogi Central senator, arguing that the accusations had damaged the family’s reputation.
These legal moves deepened an already strained relationship between the two lawmakers.
How the Rift Between the Senators Escalated
Tensions between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan worsened after her suspension from the Senate in March 2025.
She publicly accused the Senate President of influencing the decision, a claim that further fueled legal and political exchanges.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also turned to the courts, filing a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over statements she said harmed her own reputation.
The situation quickly became one of the most talked-about political disputes in the country.
Drawing the Curtain on a Legal Saga
With Akpabio’s directive, all defamation suits initiated by him have now been formally withdrawn.
The move effectively brings closure to a series of legal battles that dominated headlines and heightened tensions within the Senate.
What Comes Next for the Senate?
Beyond personal reconciliation, Akpabio insists the decision is about preserving unity and focus within the legislature.
By choosing forgiveness and restraint, he argues, the Senate can concentrate on lawmaking rather than lingering disputes.
As the new year unfolds, attention now shifts to whether this gesture will ease political tensions in the upper chamber—and whether others will follow the example he believes leadership demands.
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