The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has cautioned against escalating the ongoing political dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that the situation risks being exploited to destabilize the legislature and create unnecessary divisions.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, the organization expressed deep concern over what it described as the “over-politicization” of the matter, noting that the controversy had become a platform for misinformation and political maneuvering.
The group’s Executive Director, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, emphasized that the issues at hand were already before competent courts and warned against public commentary that could prejudice judicial proceedings.
“The matter is sub judice, and it is inappropriate for individuals or groups to make pronouncements that may influence public opinion or interfere with the course of justice, we urge all parties to exercise restraint and allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional role without interference,” Akinlosotu stated.
The Council also raised concerns about the potential for political actors to exploit the situation for personal or partisan gain, describing such actions as detrimental to the stability of the Senate and the broader democratic process.
It called on political leaders and civil society organizations to avoid inflammatory statements and instead encourage dialogue and peaceful resolution.
Of particular concern to the group was the reported plan for protests in support of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Given Nigeria’s current security challenges, the Council warned that such demonstrations could be hijacked by elements seeking to incite violence.
“Nigeria is already facing multiple security and economic challenges. We cannot afford unnecessary distractions or actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order,” Akinlosotu warned.
The Council appealed to elder statesmen, civil society leaders, and the media to act responsibly and avoid sensationalizing the dispute. It also reminded its member organizations to remain focused on national development and resist being used as tools for political agitation.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and vowed to take action against any individuals or organizations under its umbrella found to be engaging in activities that could undermine peace and stability.
“The National Civil Society Council will not hesitate to sanction any member involved in actions that threaten public order. As the conscience of the nation, we must uphold the principles of justice, peace, and unity.”
The judiciary was called upon to handle the matter with fairness and impartiality, ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor. It also urged both Senator Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to prioritize the national interest and seek an amicable resolution to their differences.
