Abuja: 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 ordered the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, for her legislative duties, describing her six-month suspension as ‘excessive’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the upper chamber on March 6 over alleged violation of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended). Briefing newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN, emphasized that such protests would be untimely and could undermine legal procedures.
“We are aware that some members of CSOs are being incited and mobilised to stage a protest demanding the immediate reinstatement of Akpoti-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,” Akinlosotu stated.
The court, in its ruling, upheld the Senate’s constitutional power to discipline its members, declaring her suspension lawful, albeit excessive, and dismissed all substantive claims made by her. Additionally, the court imposed a N5 million fine and mandated her to publicly apologise within seven days for contempt of court, following a mocking social media post that violated a restraining order.
“This development has opened a window for a political solution and amicable resolution of this entire matter; we urge all parties to fully explore it,” Akinlosotu added.
Akinlosotu further remarked that NCSCN believes the 10th Senate, led by Sen. Godswill Akpabio, is not a vindictive chamber but one that operates by established rules and regulations. He expressed regret that clandestine meetings were held discussing the judgment’s outcome even before its delivery, with some CSOs 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 Judgment has not been made available to us. Our objective is to call for restraint by all stakeholders to avoid disrupting the Senate’s smooth operations,” he said.
He urged CSOs and stakeholders to allow due process to take its full course, emphasizing the importance of respecting and upholding the Rule of Law in advocacy and civic engagements.
Advising CSOs to avoid being instruments of distraction or instability, Akinlosotu highlighted the critical moment when the National Assembly needed to focus on its legislative duties for the nation’s benefit. “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,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu noted that the court judgment 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 added.
