Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has explained that the decision by the Senate President to withdraw all defamation suits he instituted against individuals was guided by faith, leadership responsibility and a desire for national reconciliation.
Eyiboh said the move, announced on January 1, was not influenced by political pressure or expediency, but arose from deep personal reflection and conviction.
Recall that Akpabio had instructed his legal team to discontinue all pending court cases filed in his name over alleged defamatory statements.
In a statement giving insight into the decision, Eyiboh disclosed that the Senate President made the choice after attending a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
According to him, the parish priest, Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, during his sermon, admonished worshippers to let go of past grievances, forgive those who had wronged them and pursue peace.
Eyiboh noted that Akpabio was neither at a political gathering nor engaging supporters at the time.
“He was simply in church as a worshipper when the message of forgiveness resonated deeply with him,” Eyiboh said.
He revealed that shortly after the church service, the Senate President informed those around him of his resolve to forgive his critics and withdraw all legal actions arising from alleged defamation.
Eyiboh stated that about nine defamation suits were affected by the directive, including the much-publicised N200 billion case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as other cases involving individuals and associates.
The Senate President’s spokesman emphasised that Akpabio had consistently defended his reputation through lawful means and had never expressed regret for approaching the courts when accusations were made against him.
“For him, the law has always served as a legitimate instrument for protection and redress,” Eyiboh said.
“Choosing to step away from that option now represents a conscious pause from a position of authority he is familiar with.”
He added that Akpabio’s action should be viewed through the lens of his leadership philosophy, which blends political authority with strong religious values.
“In his understanding, power is a trust that comes with responsibility,” Eyiboh explained.
“Forgiveness, in that context, is not a sign of weakness but an expression of leadership.”
Eyiboh further noted that prolonged legal disputes often drain leaders emotionally and institutionally, while deepening divisions.
According to him, the decision to forgive allows the Senate President to redirect focus and energy towards more pressing national responsibilities.
“There is also a strategic dimension,” he said.
“Promoting reconciliation rather than confrontation helps strengthen unity within the legislature and sustains authority without creating unnecessary tension.”
Dismissing suggestions that the withdrawal of the cases amounted to surrender, Eyiboh insisted that restraint requires courage and confidence.
“Absorbing criticism without retaliation is not easy, especially in public office,” he said.
He added that Akpabio’s action was meant to set a precedent in Nigeria’s political space, where disagreements often escalate into personal attacks and legal battles.
“With the country facing insecurity, economic hardship and social mistrust, leaders must show emotional maturity,” Eyiboh said.
“Such gestures contribute to national healing in ways that policies alone cannot.”
Eyiboh concluded that the move should not be seen as a symbolic act, but as a deliberate effort to model forgiveness as both a moral obligation and a leadership principle.
“Sometimes,” he said, “the boldest political decision is choosing restraint over retaliation.”
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