The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has told civil society groups not to go ahead with any protest over the issue of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. The group asked everyone to stay calm and wait for the legal process to finish.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Ambassador Blessing A. Akinlosotu, who is the Executive Director of NCSCN, said that there is no need for any protest. He explained that everyone should respect the rule of law and avoid any actions that might weaken Nigeria’s legal or government institutions.

This comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Senate has the right to discipline its members. The court also ordered Senator Natasha to pay ₦5 million and publicly apologize within seven days because she was found guilty of disrespecting the court.

Akinlosotu also raised alarm about some secret meetings and efforts to push civil society groups into protesting—even before the court made its decision. He warned that such actions could affect the work of the National Assembly and threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.

“We ask everyone to stop calling for protest and to be patient,” Akinlosotu said. “Let’s wait until the full court decision is released and carefully reviewed.”

The NCSCN also reminded civil society organizations of their key roles—such as supporting democracy, defending the rights of the poor, and encouraging development that includes everyone.

Akinlosotu added that any member of the group who is found causing trouble or promoting violence will be punished.

In the end, the NCSCN made it clear that their main goal is to keep the peace and allow lawmakers to do their job without distractions—for the good of all Nigerians.