By Rhoda Godwin
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced that he has forgiven all those who wronged him in the past, describing the decision as a personal turning point inspired by a New Year homily.
Akpabio disclosed that while attending the New Year service at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, the priest’s message on letting go of painful experiences to allow peace to reign struck him deeply.
According to the Senate President, the homily felt personal and transformative.
“I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me,” he said.
Moved by the message, Akpabio revealed that he immediately instructed his legal team to withdraw all pending lawsuits he had instituted against several individuals.
He explained that the cases—numbering almost nine—were filed against people who had allegedly defamed him, lied against him, and slandered his name.
The Senate President described the decision as a deliberate step towards peace, healing, and spiritual renewal at the start of the new year.
Political observers say the gesture reflects a rare public display of reconciliation by a top political leader and may signal a broader call for unity and restraint in Nigeria’s often combative political climate.
Akpabio concluded by emphasizing that forgiveness, though difficult, is essential for inner peace and meaningful leadership.
