The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has condemned the call by some members of civil society organisations (CSOs) for a protest to demand the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Friday, ordered the Senate to recall Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, back for her legislative duties, describing her six-month suspension as “excessive.”

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the upper chamber on March 6 over alleged violation of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).

Briefing journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Blessing Akinlosotu, executive director, NCSCN, said such a protest would be untimely and could undercut legal procedures.

“We are aware that some members of CSOs are being incited and mobilised to stage a protest demanding the immediate reinstatement of Akppoti-Uduaghan.

“While we acknowledge the right of citizens to peacefully protest and interrogate civic issues, we must strongly caution against premature actions that could undermine legal processes and jeopardise institutional integrity.

“On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgement on the matter between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate.

“In its ruling, the court upheld the Senate’s constitutional power to discipline its members, ruling her six-month suspension lawful, though excessive, and dismissed all substantive claims made by her.

“The court further imposed a N5 million fine and mandated her to publicly apologise within seven days on the grounds of contempt of the court; having willfully violated a restraining order through a mocking social media post.

“The high point is that this development has opened a window for a political solution and amicable resolution of this entire matter; we urge all parties to fully explore.’’

According to Ms Akinlosotu, NCSCN believes that the 10th Senate, led by Sen. Godswill Akpabio, is not a vindictive chamber, but one that functions by laid down rules and regulations.

He said it was highly regrettable that even before the said judgement was delivered, clandestine meetings were already being held wherein outcomes were being discussed on the contents of the said judgement, and some CSOs were being instigated towards public protest.

“We are not here to delve into the legal interpretation of the ruling or engage in counterclaims since the Certified True Copy of the judgement has not been made available to us.

“Our objective is to call for restraint by all stakeholders, state and non-state actors alike, to avoid distracting or disrupting the smooth operations of the Senate.

“Until the Certified True Copy is available, reviewed, and every legal process exhausted, any pressure for reinstatement is not only hasty and unwarranted but also shocking and procedurally inappropriate.

“We, therefore, call on all well-meaning CSOs, activists, and commentators to desist from hasty and uninformed demands that could mislead the public and undermine judicial and legislative institutions; let no one, out of anxiety, distort the sanctity of the court’s pronouncements.

“We urge our fellow CSOs and stakeholders to allow due process to take its full course; the credibility of our advocacy and civic engagements depends on our ability to respect and uphold the Rule of Law,’’ he said.

He advised CSOs to avoid being used as instruments of distraction or instability at a critical moment when the National Assembly needed to focus on its legislative duties for the benefit of all Nigerians and the nation.

“NCSCN will continue to remind us of the vital roles of CSOs, which, amongst others, are to strengthen democracy, protect the rights of the marginalised, and promote inclusive development, but not blackmail and thuggery.

“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 under the guise of civic agitation,’’ he said.

He warned that emotional reactions or hasty protests risked politicising a legal matter that was still unfolding and could inadvertently cause more harm than good to the legislative system.

NCSCN is an umbrella structure of civil society bodies, community-based organisations (CBOs), and some professional bodies.

Meanwhile, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said that the court judgement did not override the upper chamber’s constitutional powers to discipline members.

“The Senate will review Natasha’s apology and decide on their next course of action after she has fulfilled the court’s requirements,’’ he said.

(NAN)