NEWS
CSOs Urge SERAP To Pursue Appeal Over FCT High Court Judgment, Warn Against Escalating Tensions And Undermining Public Confidence In Judiciary
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, has called on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, to channel its grievances through the appellate courts rather than intensifying public reactions following a recent judgment delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The groups maintained that while individuals and organisations reserve the constitutional right to disagree with court rulings, the proper democratic and legal pathway remains the appeal process. They warned that prolonged public campaigns against judicial decisions could weaken confidence in the judiciary and further heat up the nation’s already sensitive political atmosphere.
The position of the organisations was made known during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday by 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.
According to Alamboye, the intervention by the CSOs became necessary following the May 5, 2026 judgment involving SERAP and officials of the Department of State Services, DSS.
He explained that the court, presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu, ruled on publications linked to a September 2024 incident concerning an alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP’s office, finding some of the publications defamatory. The judgment reportedly awarded damages and directed public apologies in addition to post-judgment interest.
Addressing journalists, Alamboye stressed the need for all parties to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary and respect judicial pronouncements, irrespective of personal dissatisfaction with the outcome.
“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.
The CSO leader expressed concern over what he described as SERAP’s continued public reaction to the ruling, warning that persistent statements rejecting the judgment instead of focusing on legal appeal mechanisms could further heighten tensions in the country.
“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 confidence in judicial processes,” he added.
Alamboye further cautioned that sustained media narratives surrounding ongoing litigation could create wrong public impressions capable of straining institutional trust, particularly regarding perceptions of judicial independence and the conduct of security agencies.
Also speaking during the briefing, the Executive Director of the Coalition of Patriotic Youth Leaders, Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the judiciary as one of the critical pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
He warned against politicising judicial outcomes, noting that such actions could deepen existing divisions within the polity, especially at a time when the political climate remains highly sensitive.
Nwajiofor urged all parties involved in the matter to refrain from inflammatory comments capable of further polarising public opinion.
“What we call a simple call is, Sarah, please, take further judicial process. Appeal.”
He clarified that the coalition was not taking sides in the dispute but was primarily concerned about preserving democratic institutions and ensuring that disagreements are resolved strictly through lawful and constitutional means.
Following the press conference, members of the CSOs proceeded to Eagle Square in Abuja where they staged a peaceful protest to reinforce their demand for SERAP to seek redress through the appeal process rather than sustain what they described as tension-filled excha
nges on social media platforms.