Trending 
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending defamation suits against various individuals, saying he took the decision after receiving spiritual counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking to worshippers at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo on Thursday, Akpabio disclosed that he had earlier filed about nine defamation cases against individuals he accused of damaging his reputation.
He said he reflected deeply on the priest’s message during the service and felt personally addressed, prompting him to act.
“I had almost nine cases in court against people who defamed me, lied against me, and slandered my name,” he said. “But after listening to the priest, I realised the message was meant for me, so I have instructed my solicitor to withdraw all the cases.”
In 2025, Akpabio instituted several high-profile defamation suits, including actions against fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Late in the year, he filed a ₦200 billion defamation suit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied, and challenged her to prove in court.
Earlier, his wife also filed defamation actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan over claims she said damaged her family’s reputation.
Tensions between both lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct. She subsequently challenged the suspension and filed a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others.
With his latest directive, Akpabio has brought all outstanding defamation-related legal battles to an end, drawing a line under the widely publicised disputes at the start of the new year.
