By Progress Godfrey

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to challenge a recent Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment through the proper legal channels, warning that continued public reactions could heighten tensions.

The groups said although parties have the right to disagree with court decisions, the appellate process remains the appropriate avenue for redress. They cautioned that persistent public criticism of the ruling risks undermining confidence in the judiciary.

Addressing journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Ambassador Dr Duke Alamboye, National Secretary of Nigerian Youths in Politics and convener of the National Security Summit for the Green Assembly Initiative and Nigerian Youth Organisations, said the call became necessary after the May 5, 2026 ruling involving SERAP and officials of the Department of State Services.

He noted that the court, presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu, found certain publications linked to a September 2024 incident involving alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP’s office to be defamatory, awarding damages and ordering public apologies alongside post-judgment interest.

“As Civil Society Organisations committed to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and democratic accountability, we acknowledge the authority of the judiciary as the final arbiter in disputes of this nature.

“We therefore reaffirm the importance of respecting court decisions, regardless of individual or institutional dissatisfaction, and of pursuing any legal remedies strictly through established appellate processes where necessary,” he said.

Alamboye expressed concern over SERAP’s public reaction to the ruling, stating that continued statements rejecting the judgment rather than pursuing appeal could heighten tensions.

“While we recognise the right of any party to express disagreement, we strongly believe that continued issuance of highly charged public statements at this stage risks escalating tensions and may inadvertently undermine public confidence in judicial processes,” he added.

He added that sustained media narratives around ongoing litigation could be misinterpreted by the public and strain institutional trust, including perceptions about judicial independence and the conduct of security agencies.

Also speaking, Executive Director of the Coalition of Patriotic Youth Leaders, Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, stressed the need to protect the judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy.

He warned that politicising judicial outcomes could deepen divisions, especially in a sensitive political period, and urged all parties to avoid inflammatory statements.

Nwajiofor said the group was not taking sides but was focused on preserving democratic institutions and ensuring that disputes are resolved through lawful means.

The CSOs followed the press conference with a protest at Eagle Square to reaffirm the need for SERAP to seek for appeal rather than creating tension on social media.