Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has said the decision to withdraw all defamation suits instituted by the Senate President was driven by faith, leadership responsibility and a commitment to national reconciliation. According to Eyiboh, the move, which was announced on January 1, was not the result of political pressure or expediency but followed deep personal reflection and conviction on the part of Akpabio.
He explained that the Senate President directed his legal team to discontinue all pending court cases filed in his name over alleged defamatory statements after attending a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Eyiboh said a sermon delivered by the parish priest, Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, urging worshippers to forgive, let go of grievances and pursue peace, influenced the decision, stressing that Akpabio was not at a political event nor engaging supporters at the time.