Rev. Fr. Udoette’s Sermon Inspires Senate President Akpabio to Forgive Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Others – Eyiboh

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly decided to forgive individuals he previously regarded as his offenders, including prominent political figures, and withdraw all ongoing legal actions he had initiated against them. This development notably includes the high-profile defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio’s decision was profoundly influenced by the sermon delivered during a New Year church service.

Eyiboh, in a statement he personally signed, revealed that the resolution followed a sermon preached at the New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The priest, Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, delivered a homily emphasizing the themes of forgiveness, letting go of resentment, and prioritizing peace over personal grudges.

“At a point during the sermon, the Senate President recognized that the message was addressing him directly,” Eyiboh said.

Immediately after the service, Akpabio publicly announced that he had resolved to forgive all those who had wronged him, making it his New Year resolution for 2026.

“He resolved not just to forgive verbally but to take actionable steps. This is why he instructed that all pending defamation suits he had filed be officially withdrawn,” Eyiboh explained.

Among the cases affected is the ₦200 billion lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which stemmed from allegations repeatedly denied by Akpabio and formally challenged in court. Eyiboh clarified that approximately nine defamation cases, including some involving Akpabio’s close aides, will no longer be pursued.

“In Nigerian politics, it is common for leaders to leverage the courts to defend their reputations. However, this time, Akpabio opted for forgiveness over prolonged litigation,” Eyiboh noted.

Faith-Inspired Leadership

Eyiboh emphasized that the decision to forgive should not be perceived as a weakness, but rather as an expression of principled leadership rooted in faith.

“Senator Akpabio is a devoted Christian. His faith is consistent and sincere, not seasonal or performative. He sees power as a trust from God, which comes with moral responsibilities.”

In Nigeria, faith in politics is widespread, yet steadfast adherence to ethical principles is rare. Akpabio’s Christianity, Eyiboh explained, has significantly shaped his perspective on authority and governance.

“For him, power is not merely seized or negotiated; it is entrusted. What is entrusted carries a moral obligation. This is where forgiveness moves beyond sentiment and becomes a framework for political philosophy.”

Eyiboh highlighted that this approach has also influenced Akpabio’s leadership style in the Senate.

“Under his guidance, the Senate has remained unusually productive and calm. More than ninety-six bills have been passed in two years, with over fifty-eight assented to by the President. In a chamber often characterized by theatrics, this stability is deliberate and reflects a leadership that values restraint, consensus, and constructive governance over spectacle.”

Forgiveness as Political Strategy

Eyiboh noted that withdrawing the defamation suits is both spiritually and politically strategic.

“Legal battles consume focus and energy. By letting go, Akpabio is reclaiming emotional bandwidth necessary for institutional leadership. Forgiveness allows him to recommit to national priorities, promoting unity and nation-building.”

He acknowledged that some critics might perceive forgiveness as a privilege for the powerful.

“But this is precisely why it matters. When leaders demonstrate restraint, they set a precedent. Not every offense warrants retaliation, and not every disagreement must culminate in court.”

Eyiboh further emphasized that Akpabio’s decision comes at a time when Senate unity is critical, amid circulating rumors of internal disagreements.

“Opting for reconciliation rather than escalation strengthens institutional cohesion and enhances leadership credibility without relying on intimidation.”

Public Lesson for Nigerians

According to Eyiboh, Akpabio views forgiveness not just as a personal virtue but also as a lesson for the Nigerian populace.

“By prioritizing forgiveness over litigation, Akpabio demonstrates that leadership can be exercised with generosity, credibility, and moral authority. True leadership does not demand constant confrontation; not every insult necessitates a legal response. Forgiveness involves risk—it may be misinterpreted as weakness—but it is a deliberate act of example.”

Eyiboh added that Akpabio’s gesture challenges the false dichotomy often seen in Nigerian politics: leaders who deliver results but erode trust, and leaders who speak ethically but govern ineffectively.

“The real test will be the sustainability of forgiveness. Its success will be measured by whether it reduces tensions, encourages reciprocal restraint, and fosters a culture of accountability and reconciliation.”