By Julius Nsikak, Uyo
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State have distanced themselves from a group parading itself as the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum and have warned the public against transacting with one Mr. Harry Udoh, who is said to be impersonating as its chairman.
In a statement issued after what they described as thorough investigations, meetings and consultations, the CSOs declared that there is no umbrella civil society body under the name Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum in the state. They further alleged that Mr. Udoh has been introducing himself at public functions as chairman of the purported forum, thereby misleading unsuspecting members of the public.
The organisations explained that security agencies in the state have been duly put on notice and urged members of the public to be cautious, stressing that anyone who engages with Mr. Udoh in that capacity does so at their own risk.
They emphasised that civil society organisations in Akwa Ibom neither recognise Mr. Udoh nor any group operating under the said name, and urged donor agencies and the state government not to accord legitimacy to his claims.
According to the CSOs, the disclaimer was necessary to protect the integrity of civil society space in Akwa Ibom and to alert the public and relevant authorities of what they described as a false representation.
