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Rev. Fr. Udoette’s sermon convinced Akpabio to forgive Natasha, others – Eyiboh

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Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has decided to forgive those he described as his offenders and withdraw all court cases he instituted against them, including the high-profile defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan because he was touched by God’s words during a sermon.

This was according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

Eyiboh in a statement he personally signed said the decision followed a sermon preached during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He said Akpabio was attending the January 1, 2026 church service as a regular worshipper when the priest, Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, delivered a homily centred on forgiveness, letting go of anger, and choosing peace over personal grievances.

“At a point during the sermon, the Senate President realized the message was speaking directly to him,” Eyiboh said.

Shortly after the service, Akpabio announced that forgiving all those who had wronged him would be his New Year resolution.

“He resolved not only to forgive in words but to back it up with action. That was why he directed that all pending defamation suits he had filed be withdrawn.”

Among the cases affected is the ₦200 billion lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which arose from allegations Akpabio had repeatedly denied and challenged in court.

Eyiboh explained that about nine defamation cases in total, including some involving Akpabio’s close associates, would no longer be pursued.

“In Nigerian politics, many leaders use the courts to defend their names, But this time, he chose forgiveness over prolonged legal battles.”

Eyiboh stressed that the decision should not be seen as weakness but as an act of leadership inspired by faith.

“Senator Akpabio is a committed Christian. His faith is not seasonal or for public display. He believes that power is entrusted by God and must be exercised with moral responsibility.”

“In Nigeria, faith in politics is common. Stability of faith is rarer. Akpabio’s Christianity is not episodic. It has shaped how he understands authority itself. Power, in this worldview, is not merely seized or negotiated; it is entrusted. And what is entrusted carries moral obligation.”

‘This is where forgiveness ceases to be sentimental and becomes political philosophy. The same drive for tangible outcomes has characterised, albeit differently, his tenure as Senate President. It has been defined less by flamboyance than by control.

“The Senate he leads has been unusually productive and notably calm; more than ninety-six bills passed in two years, with over fifty-eight assented to by the President. In a chamber once notorious for theatrics, this stability is not accidental. It reflects a leadership style that values restraint over spectacle and consensus over conquest.

“While his action was inspired, it also makes political sense. Withdrawing defamation suits fits neatly into this logic. Legal battles consume attention. They tether leaders to old grievances. They narrow the emotional bandwidth required for institutional leadership. To let them go is to reclaim focus and to recommit to what ultimately matters; nation-building.”

He acknowledged that some critics may view forgiveness as something only the powerful can afford but argued that this is exactly why it matters.

“When those in authority show restraint, it sets an example. Not every insult needs a reply, and not every disagreement must end in court.”

Eyiboh also noted that Akpabio’s decision came at a time when unity within the Senate is crucial, amid rumours and speculations about internal disagreements.

“Choosing reconciliation over escalation helps to preserve institutional cohesion. It strengthens leadership without intimidation.”

According to Eyiboh, the Senate President believes forgiveness is not just a personal virtue but a public lesson for Nigerians.

“By choosing forgiveness over litigation, Akpabio strengthens his hand not through coercion but through credibility. He signals that power can afford generosity; that leadership does not require perpetual combat; that not every insult deserves a reply. There is risk, of course. Forgiveness can be misread as weakness. Silence can be exploited. But leadership that waits for perfect safety rarely leads. Akpabio’s resolution accepts vulnerability as the price of example,” Eyiboh explained.

“Nigeria often produces leaders who deliver material progress but corrode trust, or leaders who speak ethically but govern ineffectively. Akpabio’s gesture attempts to collapse that false choice.

“To be clear, the true test lies ahead. Forgiveness must be sustained, not performed once and shelved. Its power will be measured by whether it cools tempers, reshapes conduct, and encourages reciprocal restraint,” he added.

Politics

Thugs attack Edo ADC secretariat, 24 hours after Jarret Tenebe, APC chairman’s threat

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Hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, again attacked the Edo State secretariat.

Ekwutosblog reports that the incident allegedly occurred a few minutes after the state leadership of the party received Barrister Olumide Akpata.

Akpata was received by Mr. Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Senator Roland Owie, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor, among others.

A Facebook user identified as Hon. Shedrach Udugbai shared the incident on her wall.

In a viral video, Udugbai showed how several vehicles were destroyed and a woman assaulted by the suspected thugs. The video also showed several plastic chairs used at the event vandalized.

According to him, the ADC secretariat in Edo was attacked by suspected APC thugs minutes after Peter Obi left the secretariat. They reportedly came in unnumbered vehicles, wearing masks and carrying guns.

“The thugs shot one woman in the neck, and she is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. They beat up another man and broke his head. Many were left injured.

“Monday Okpebholo, who is the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, cannot pretend to be unaware of what is happening.

“So ADC cannot gather again in Edo State. This is shameful. We will not be intimidated. We will not be cornered,” he said.

He alleged that the thugs also went to Chief John Odigie Oyegun’s house to attack vehicles there following the ADC secretariat incident.

The property destroyed by the suspected political thugs was clearly visible.

Ekwutosblog  recalls that the ADC secretariat was previously attacked on February 5, 2026, about 20 days ago, by suspected political thugs who made a failed attempt to set the party’s building ablaze.

Ekwutosblog  also recalls that the Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, had on Monday, February 23, 2026, during the commissioning of 54 construction equipment for 18 local government chairmen in the state by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, warned ADC not to campaign in the state or obstruct the state governor, Monday Okpebholo.

Tenebe said the warning was not a threat but advice.

“I advised the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) not to come into Edo State as the governor is working and the state is not for other political parties. I urge opposition parties not to constitute obstacles to development.

“I want to send a message to that party, ADC. Please, our governor is working. We are happy with what we are seeing. Edo State people are happy, everybody is happy. It is a warning and not a threat. If they like, they should take it, and if they like, let them not take it. If they try to be an obstacle to the promises we made or the number of votes we are going to give to Mr. President, if they try to stand in our way, we will deal with them accordingly,” he stated.

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Politics

Six Adamawa PDP lawmakers dump party

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Six members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Adamawa State House of Assembly have resigned their membership of the party.

This brings to seven the number of party members in the Assembly who have left the party in the last two days after Abubakar Abdullahi opened the gate on Monday, February 23.

Those who announced their resignation on Monday include the Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Buba Jidjiwa, representing Jada and Mbulo Constituency; Kefas Kalvin, representing Toungo Constituency; and Bulus Geoffrey, representing Leko and Koma Constituency.

Haruna Jilantikiri, representing Madagali Constituency; Kefas Emmanuel, representing Song Constituency, and Ahmed Jingi Bele representing Maiha Constituency are the other three.

The resignations are coming amid rising speculation that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is on his way to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

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Owerri Zone Gets Wake-Up Call from Governor Uzodimma: Unity is Key to 2027 Governorship Bid – Success Opara

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At the recent meeting between political leaders of Owerri Zone (Imo East) and Governor Hope Uzodimma at Government House, Owerri, one thing stood out clearly, 2027 is not going to be business as usual.

The Governor made it clear that while the Charter of Equity is important, it should not be seen as an automatic ticket. Strategy, unity, and pragmatism must come first.

He openly acknowledged that Owerri Zone deserves a fair chance, just like other zones in the state. That statement alone is commendable. But he also gave very important advice: Don’t divide yourselves with multiple candidates. Don’t create confusion within the zone. Present one strong, credible, and electable candidate.

This is where the real work begins. Owerri Zone must learn from the past. If the leaders truly want 2027 to be different, they must put personal ambition aside and think about the collective interest of the zone and the future of Imo State. The opportunity is there. The support is declared.

The responsibility now lies with Owerri Zone. Owerri Zone deserves a chance. But they must also prove they are ready for it.

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