President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was persuaded by counsel delivered during a New Year Mass.
Speaking on Thursday at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Akpabio disclosed that he had instituted nearly nine defamation suits against individuals he accused of making false and damaging claims against him.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me and slandered my name,” he said.
“But as I listened to the priest, I realised the message was directed at me. I have therefore instructed my lawyers to withdraw all the lawsuits.”
In his homily, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Aka, and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, described peace as humanity’s greatest need and urged worshippers to let go of past grievances.
“You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was,” Udoette said. “All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on.”
With the announcement, Akpabio has brought to an end all pending defamation-related legal actions, signalling a move toward reconciliation and closure as the new year begins.
