The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has instructed his legal representatives to formally discontinue all ongoing court cases filed against Senator Natasha and several other individuals. The directive was made public by Akpabio during a New Year church service held at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he addressed members of the congregation. While speaking at the service, the Senate President disclosed that he had previously authorized the filing of close to nine separate legal suits against individuals he believed had made false and damaging statements about him. According to him, those cases were initiated in response to allegations he described as defamatory, misleading, and harmful to his reputation. Akpabio explained that his stance changed during the church service after listening attentively to the sermon delivered by the officiating priest. He stated that the message deeply resonated with him on a personal level. He recalled that as the sermon progressed, he felt a strong conviction that the message was directed specifically at him, prompting a moment of reflection. According to Akpabio, the sermon emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation, which led him to reassess his actions and intentions regarding the legal disputes. “I had instituted almost nine cases in court against people who defamed me, spread untrue statements about me, and damaged my name,” he said. “But while the priest was preaching, I suddenly realised that the message was meant for me.” He added that the spiritual experience influenced him to let go of the grievances and pursue peace instead of prolonged legal battles. Following this personal resolution, the Senate President announced that he had taken immediate steps to end all pending legal actions related to the matter. He stated clearly that his lawyers had been instructed to withdraw every lawsuit filed against Senator Natasha and the other individuals involved. By making this decision public during a religious gathering, Akpabio emphasized the role of faith and reflection in guiding his choice to forgive and move forward without further legal confrontation.
