CSOs In A’Ibom At Odds Over Umbrella Body Legitimacy – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Civil Society Organisations in Akwa Ibom State, are trading accusations over legitimacy claims amid doubts about the existence of an umbrella body.

Franklyn Isong, director of the Centre for Human Rights Accountability Network (CHRAN), claims there’s no umbrella civil society organisation in Akwa Ibom State after conducting investigations and member consultations.

Isong warned the public “not to transact any business or activity with anybody or group of persons acting in the capacity of being chairman of CSOs in the state as ‘we do not have such organisation operating in Akwa Ibom State civil society space.’”

He added, “Any one who deals with somebody in that capacity does so at his/her own peril as the person does not speak for or represent the civil society organisations operating in Akwa Ibom State.”

He said CSOs are independent groups with the Corporate Affairs Commission mandates.

In response, Mr. Harry Udoh of the Guild of Community Development Advocates stated the Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organisations Forum was established in 2008 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2014.

In a release signed by Udoh and 38 other leaders of Civil Society Groups/Community advocates and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Tuesday, the groups unanimously agreed that;

“The Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organizations Forum was established in 2008 and duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2014 as the Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State (AKGCODA).

“The Forum is recognized as part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Membership of the Forum is open to development-focused civil society organizations in the state, and is guided by a code of conduct and shared ethical standards.

“Since inception, the Forum has worked collectively with its members to advance development in Akwa Ibom State while respecting the independence of other civil society organizations.

“The Forum was founded with eminent and respectable citizens of Akwa Ibom State as members of its Board of Trustees, including Dr. Nsekpong Udoh, Prof. Selina Ekpo, Mr. Idem Udoekong, and the Late Obonganwan Imo Isemin of blessed memory, alongside Mr. Harry Udoh. The current Board of Trustees are Dr. Uduak Akpan, Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Mrs. Emem Akpan Nkereuwem, Barr. Ekaette Anwana, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Dr. Nsekpong Udoh, and Mr. Harry Udoh, who serves as Chairman.

“Over the years, members of the Forum have collectively attracted several million dollars’ worth of socio-economic development interventions from various donor agencies and development partners to Akwa Ibom State.

“Mr. Harry Udoh serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Executive Council of the Forum. In 2023, he was also elected by his peers nationwide to lead the National Civil Society Initiative on CSO Self-Regulation in Nigeria, in recognition of his experience, integrity, and leadership.

“The individuals behind the said publication are not members of the Akwa Ibom State CSOs Forum and therefore lack the authority to speak for or about the Forum. Their attempt to wish away our legacies can only be interpreted as an act of mischief.

“We therefore urge the Government, donor agencies, security agencies, and the general public to disregard the said publication and to continue to engage with the Forum through its recognized leadership respecting other CSOs’ independence.

Our correspondent reports that Udoh was elected in 2023 by peers nationwide to lead a national civil society initiative on CSO self-regulation in Nigeria.