In every generation, God raises men whose lives transcend politics, power and personal ambition, men whose actions speak louder than sermons and whose decisions become moral signposts for society. In our time, one such man is Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, whose recent act of withdrawing all pending defamation lawsuits following a New Year service stands as one of the most profound demonstrations of practical Christianity in contemporary public life.
After attending the New Year service at Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Offot, Uyo, and listening attentively to a homily on peace, forgiveness and reconciliation delivered by the Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Senator Akpabio took a decision that stunned many, inspired countless others, and gladdened the heart of heaven: he chose forgiveness over vengeance, peace over prolonged contention, and Christ over personal grievance.
This singular act, simple, yet deeply powerful, stands as a powerful testimony of living faith and obedience to the Word of God and reveals Senator Godswill Akpabio one of the most exemplary practicing Christians of our time in both action and conviction.
Christianity is not merely professed; it is practiced. It is not defined by words alone but by obedience to divine instruction, especially when such obedience comes at personal cost. Senator Akpabio’s response to the Word of God was not delayed, diluted or politicized. It was immediate, sincere and decisive.
The Scripture tells us that “he who hears the Word and does it is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.” Akpabio heard the Word, understood its demand, and acted accordingly. In a world where grudges are often nursed for years and litigation weaponized as tools of intimidation, his decision to let go was not weakness—it beholds spiritual strength.
By withdrawing all pending defamation suits, he demonstrated that true power lies in forgiveness, and true leadership begins with self-mastery. By choosing forgiveness over prolonged contention, Senator Akpabio demonstrated the true spirit of Christendom. His action goes beyond politics; it is a spiritual statement that peace is always superior to pride and reconciliation greater than retaliation. In a society where disagreements often fester into bitterness and legal battles, this singular act has sent a clear message that old grievances can be laid to rest through obedience to Christ. It is indeed a sacrifice of pride and personal gain which Christ delights in.
There are moments when heaven intervenes decisively in the affairs of men. This act of forgiveness was not accidental; it was timely and divinely inspired. At a time when society is deeply polarized, when political disagreements are increasingly personalized, and when bitterness often overshadows brotherhood, Senator Akpabio’s action sent a clear message: old enemies can reconcile, swords can be sheathed and peace is always possible through Christ who must be honoured and of carriers of God’s messages, the Prophets obeyed and respected.
This moment marks a turning point not just in politics, but in moral governance. It reminds us that leadership must be anchored on values, and that the teachings of Christ are not incompatible with public office. Rather, they are essential to it.
The Bible is unequivocal on forgiveness. It teaches that forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. In Matthew 6:14–15, Christ exhorts that if we forgive others their trespasses, our heavenly Father will also forgive us. By withdrawing the lawsuits, Senator Akpabio not only extended forgiveness but positioned himself under the grace and mercy of God and Heaven celebrates such obedience.
It is a beautiful thing to receive the Word of God, repent instantly, and act accordingly. Such obedience pleases God immensely, attracts divine favour, and releases blessings that transcend human calculation. Universal harmony, peace of mind, and spiritual authority flow naturally from such acts.
Indeed, show me a man with a Christian heart whom God treasures, and I will show you a man whose battles God fights. Scripture affirms in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Show me a man whom God honours openly, and I will show you Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. By this act, he has shown himself to be a man treasured by God, one whose humility attracts divine honour.
I must confess that I have rarely been as thrilled by a response to preaching as I was by Senator Akpabio’s reaction to the homily on forgiveness. This was not symbolic compliance; it was a living testimony.
The Church teaches, but it is the faithful who validate the message through obedience. Godswill Akpabio validated that sermon in the most powerful way possible; by forgiving publicly and letting go completely. In doing so, he affirmed the enduring relevance of the Church and the transformative power of God’s Word.
His action has become a sermon of its own, preaching across political lines, denominational boundaries and generational divides. Personally, I have rarely witnessed such a profound and immediate response to the preaching of the Word of God. This act is a living testimony, louder than words and more convincing than rhetoric. It confirms that the Word of God is still powerful, still relevant, and still capable of transforming hearts at the highest levels of leadership.
Leadership is influence, and influence is responsibility. What Senator Akpabio has done is not only commendable; it is emulatable. Politicians, professionals, families, communities and even nations can learn from this single act.
Imagine a society where forgiveness replaces hostility, where dialogue replaces litigation, and where peace replaces prolonged conflict. If every individual embraced the message of love, peace and forgiveness wholeheartedly as Akpabio has done, our society would be profoundly transformed.
This example transcends politics. It speaks to marriages, friendships, workplaces and communities fractured by misunderstanding and pride. It reminds us that forgiveness heals not only the forgiven, but the forgiver.
Through this act, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has shown himself to be a man after God’s own heart—one who listens, obeys and aligns his actions with divine instruction. In doing so, he has earned not just public admiration, but eternal approval.
When a man chooses peace over pride and forgiveness over retaliation, he positions himself as God’s own project—protected, promoted and preserved by divine grace. Such a man walks with confidence, knowing that heaven is interested in his journey.
The decision of Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits after listening to a message of peace is more than a personal choice; it is a national lesson and a spiritual call.
If we learn to emulate this Christ-like disposition, God will heal us, restore us, promote us and fight our battles for us. Forgiveness is not loss; it is gain. Peace is not surrender; it is victory. Obedience to God is not limitation; it is elevation.
In celebrating Senator Akpabio today, we celebrate the triumph of Christian values over human impulses, and we reaffirm our belief that Nigeria and indeed the world can still be healed through love, forgiveness and obedience to God.
Indeed, the world is made better when men choose Christ-like responses over human impulses. Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has shown us that the path of forgiveness leads to honour, and the way of peace leads to divine favour. May his example inspire many more hearts, and may peace continually reign among us all.
