Nigeria, Jan. 1 -- Nigerian Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all pending lawsuits instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other individuals.

Akpabio, while addressing the public at a New Year Mass held at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the decision followed deep personal reflection and spiritual counsel, adding that he had earlier initiated multiple court actions against individuals he accused of defamation and making false allegations against him.

The Senate President said, "I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name. But I listened to the priest and suddenly realized he was talking to me,...