The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has slammed the brakes on calls for protest over Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s reinstatement agitation, urging civil society organizations (CSOs) to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its full course.
In a press conference held at the NCSCN headquarters in Abuja, Executive Director Amb. Blessing A. Akinlosotu condemned the unwarranted call for protest, citing the need to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could undermine judicial and legislative institutions.
The development follows a Federal High Court in Abuja judgment on the matter between Senator Natasha and the Senate, which upheld the Senate’s constitutional power to discipline its members. The court imposed a ₦5 million fine and mandated her to publicly apologize 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.