A coalition of civil society organizations under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Good Governance has hailed the Federal High Court judgment that found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, describing it as a “victory for judicial dignity, legislative decorum, and national sanity.”

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday delivered the landmark ruling against the Kogi Central senator over a satirical Facebook post she made on April 27, 2025. The post was deemed to be in direct violation of a subsisting court order that restrained all parties from making public comments on her suspension issue.

As part of the ruling, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator and ordered a public apology.

Reacting to the judgment, the coalition in a press statement signed by its convener, Comrade Taiwo Adeniran, commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and reinforcing the accountability of public officeholders.

“We wish to commend the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, under the firm and impartial leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, for once again upholding the sacred duties of the Nigerian judiciary with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” the statement read.

The coalition described the ruling as a strong warning that no individual, regardless of their status, is above the law. According to the statement, the judgment serves as a “bold proof of judicial integrity” and underscores the principle that lawmakers should exemplify legal obedience.

The group strongly criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, labeling her recent utterances and social media activity as “reckless” and “sensational.”

“Rather than engage constructively, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her co-travelers chose instead to weaponize reasonable internal disciplinary proceedings, distort facts, incite the public, and falsely wave the banner of gender intimidation.”

The statement further accused the senator of undermining the credibility of the National Assembly and misrepresenting the cause of women in leadership.

“That is not feminism. That is not courage. That is reckless misrepresentation of what women in leadership truly stand for,” the group said.

“Indeed, this unfortunate episode has undermined the Federal Government’s sincere efforts to increase women’s participation in governance. It has weaponized gender identity as a tool of manipulation, rather than inspiration.”

The coalition called on Nigerians, particularly women and youths, to resist what it described as a “manipulative, self-serving script” being played out by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let this judgment stand as a lesson and a legacy: that our courts remain the temple of justice, and no one, regardless of position or popularity, can desecrate that temple and walk away untouched.”

The statement concluded with a call for a return to dignity and discipline in public service, urging Nigerians to prioritize character over drama in political leadership.