The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has firmly denounced the growing calls for protest surrounding the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging civil society organizations (CSOs) to show restraint and allow due process to prevail.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the NCSCN headquarters in Abuja, the Council’s Executive Director, Amb. Blessing A. Akinlosotu, condemned what he described as an “unwarranted” protest campaign, stressing the importance of respecting the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial and legislative institutions.
This appeal for calm comes in the wake of a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which upheld the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members in the case involving Senator Natasha. The court also imposed a ₦5 million fine and ordered her to issue a public apology within seven days for contempt of court.
Akinlosotu expressed concerns over clandestine meetings and instigation of CSOs towards public protest before the judgment was delivered, stressing that such actions could destabilize the National Assembly and undermine its legislative duties.
“We condemn the unwarranted call for protest and urge CSOs to exercise restraint, allowing due process to take its full course,” Akinlosotu said. “We respectfully appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians and civil society actors to desist from further agitation until the legal process is concluded and the official judgment is publicly available for objective review.”
The NCSCN emphasized the vital roles of Civil Society, including strengthening democracy, protecting the rights of the marginalized, and promoting inclusive development. “We will not hesitate to sanction any member found to be involved in any activity that leads to unrest, violence, or destruction of lives and property,” Akinlosotu warned.
The NCSCN’s call for restraint aims to prioritize stability and allow the National Assembly to focus on its legislative duties for the benefit of all Nigerians and the nation.
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