Senate President Godswill Akpabio has explained his decision to withdraw all defamation suits he instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and others, saying the move was informed by faith, leadership responsibility and the need to maintain focus in the National Assembly.
The explanation was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
According to the statement, Senator Akpabio had previously defended his reputation through legal means but decided to discontinue all pending cases as part of a broader reflection on leadership and governance.
The Senate President said managing a legislature made up of 109 senators with competing interests requires restraint and credibility, rather than prolonged legal disputes that could distract from legislative duties.
He said the Senate had passed over 96 bills within two years, with more than 58 assented to by the President, noting that stability in the chamber was linked to a leadership approach focused on consensus.
Akpabio traced his decision to a New Year Mass held on January 1, at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He said a homily on forgiveness during the service prompted him to reassess his actions.
Speaking during the church service, Akpabio disclosed that he had instituted about nine defamation suits against individuals over statements he believed were damaging to his reputation.
“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 solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” he said.
Among the cases withdrawn was the N200 billion defamation suit filed in 2025 against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio had denied and asked her to substantiate in court.
Akpabio’s wife had also filed separate defamation suits against the Kogi Central senator over claims she said affected the family’s reputation.
The legal disputes followed the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate in March 2025, after she accused Akpabio of influencing the action taken against her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also filed a N100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over remarks she said harmed her reputation.
Eyiboh said Akpabio’s decision meant that all defamation cases instituted by him had now been withdrawn.
The Senate President said the action should be viewed within the context of leadership, adding that restraint and reconciliation are necessary for maintaining cohesion in the legislature.
