By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
A cross section of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State have disowned Mr. Harry Udoh, denying his claims of being the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum.
In a press statement signed by multiple CSO representatives in Uyo on Friday, the groups asserted that there is no umbrella organisation known as the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum operating in the state.
The statement was signed by Otuekong Franklyn Isong, Director of the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN); Barr. Clifford Thomas, Convener of the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community (AKHRC); Comrade Ifot Ifot, Chief Executive Officer of Peoples’ Rights To Life Development Foundation (PERLDEF);
Comrade (Dr.) Victor David Executive Director, Vital Partners For Development (VPD); Comrade Ekarika Samuel Chairman, Committee For the Defence Of Human Rights (CDHR)
Others are, Comrade Thomas Mbuotidem Head of Secretariat/Project Manager Foundation For Civic Education, Human Rights and Development Advancement (FOCEHRADA); Comrade Gideon Usen Director, Civil Society Network For Development; Comrade Ime Udok Coordinating, Center for Human Rights; Comrade (Mrs.) Helen Ubit Executive Director, Theolight Global Foundation (TGF) and Comrade (Barr.) Ubiere Harrison Executive Director, Treasure Advocate
The CSOs stated that they do not recognize Harry Udoh or any group under the name Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum.
“There is no umbrella civil society organization in Akwa Ibom State known or recognized as “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum”.
They advised members of the public not to engage with Harry Udoh in his claimed capacity, as he does not represent the CSOs in Akwa Ibom State.
The CSOs said they have notified law enforcement agencies in Akwa Ibom State about the situation.
“The civil society organizations in Akwa Ibom State have taken steps to ensure that the law enforcement agencies in Akwa Ibom State are put on notice.
“Members of the public should not transact any business or activity with him in that capacity as we do not have such organization operating in Akwa Ibom civil society space.
“This publication is made to alert the unsuspecting members of the public, the security agencies, donor agencies and the Government of Akwa Ibom State.
The CSOs emphasized that anyone dealing with Harry Udoh in his claimed capacity does so at their own risk, adding that he lacks the authority to speak on behalf of the civil society organisations in Akwa Ibom State.
