The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has warned political actors and advocacy groups against hijacking the controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for personal or political vendetta.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Blessing Akinlosotu, executive secretary of the council, said the matter is already before the court and cautioned all parties against making inflammatory remarks capable of prejudicing the judicial process.
He urged restraint from all stakeholders and advised that parties involved should explore amicable, out-of-court resolution mechanisms to avoid prolonged legal battles and rising tensions.
“The matter has regrettably become over-politicized, and every Dick, Tom, and Harry now claim an opinion, often misinformed or exaggerated,” Akinlosotu said.
He noted that the case had once disrupted the smooth functioning of the Senate and warned against reigniting the conflict for media attention or political gain.
The council urged civil society organizations to stay focused on national development and resist being used as tools by political interests seeking to incite unrest or destabilize the country.
Akinlosotu said recent developments have compelled the council to speak publicly, despite its usual preference for quiet strategic engagement.
He advised Nigerians to allow the judiciary to carry out its responsibility without interference and warned that the council would sanction any of its members found engaging in protests or activities that could lead to violence.
“We urge all parties to explore an amicable resolution. Prolonged legal battles serve as distractions and consume valuable time and resources,” he said.
He called on the judiciary to handle the case with professionalism, objectivity, and evidence-based analysis to ensure justice is served.
The council also appealed to elder statesmen and national figures to refrain from making divisive or inflammatory statements.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
