Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Eket/Onna/Ibeno/Esit Eket Federal Constituency and served as the spokesperson of the House between 2007 and 2011, is currently the Special Adviser, Media/Publicity and Official Spokesperson to the President of Senate.
In this piece he shared to the members of Senate Press Corps within the week, he among others describes Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to forgive offenders and withdraw lawsuits as a sign of strength, demonstrating that power can afford generosity and leadership doesn’t require perpetual combat, and our correspondent, Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka is a member.
Qtn: What inspired Senate President Akpabio’s New Year resolution to forgive offenders and withdraw lawsuits?
Ans: The Senate President’s decision was inspired by a homily at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, on New Year’s Day 2026, where he realized the sermon was speaking directly to him, urging him to let go of past hurts and choose peace.
Qtn: What does this decision signify about Akpabio’s leadership style?
Ans: It reflects a leadership style that values restraint over spectacle, consensus over conquest, and nation-building over personal vendetta.
Qtn: How does Akpabio’s faith influence his governance approach?
Ans: His Catholic faith shapes his understanding of authority as entrusted with moral obligation, guiding his actions towards reconciliation and peace.
Qtn: Is this move a sign of weakness or strength?
A4: It’s a sign of strength, demonstrating that power can afford generosity and leadership doesn’t require perpetual combat.
Qtn: What impact does this have on Nigeria’s political culture?
Ans: It disrupts the adversarial rhythm, lowers the temperature, and changes incentives, promoting reconciliation over hostility.
Qtn: How does this decision affect Akpabio’s institutional leadership?
Ans: It strengthens his moral authority, credibility, and ability to manage competing ambitions within the Senate.
Qtn: What message does this send to critics and opponents?
Ans: That forgiveness doesn’t deny injury but refuses to let it define governance, and leadership can choose peace over escalation.
Qtn: Is this a strategic or sincere move?
Ans: It is both strategic and sincere, reflecting Akpabio’s worldview where governance, godliness, and morality intersect.
Qtn: How does this impact national repair?
Ans: Leaders demonstrating emotional regulation contribute to national repair, addressing spiritual infrastructure decay and promoting trust.
Qtn: What risks does Akpabio take with this decision?
Ans: Forgiveness can be misread as weakness, but leadership that waits for perfect safety rarely leads.
Qtn: How does this fit Akpabio’s broader leadership narrative?
Ans: It synthesizes developmental leadership, institutional management, obedience to God, and moral authority through public restraint.
Qtn: What’s the significance of this move for Nigeria’s future?
Ans: Reconciliation isn’t a luxury; it’s governance. Akpabio’s act shows restraint can be the most radical act in politics, promoting stability and trust.
