40 CSOs in A’Ibom Affirm Forum Legitimacy, Harry Udoh’s Leadership Amidst Rival Claims
By Ekemini Simon
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State numbering 40 have affirmed the existence and legitimacy of their umbrella body the Guild of Community Development Advocates (AKGCODA) also known as the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum.
The body has also declared support for the leadership of Mr. Harry Udoh as its Chairman.
This is coming on the heels of the claim by a group led by Mr. Franklyn Isong, Director of the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) who described the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum as non-existent and warned the public against transacting business with its Chairman Mr. Udoh or recognizing the forum.
In a press release signed by 40 CSOs and issued on Monday, the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum said the claims by Isong’s led group was simply an attempt to mislead the public about its legal status, legitimacy of the forum and leadership.
The forum said it was established in 2008 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2014. The forum’s leadership, headed by Chairman Mr. Harry Udoh, claims to have attracted several million dollars’ worth of socio-economic development interventions from donor agencies and development partners to Akwa Ibom State.
They noted that the forum is recognized as part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that 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.
The Forum explained that they were founded with eminent and respectable citizens of Akwa Ibom State as members of its Board of Trustees, include Dr. Nsekpong Udoh, Prof. Selina Ekpo, Mr. Idem Udoekong, and the Late Obonganwan Imo Isemin of blessed memory, alongside Mr. Harry Udoh.
They said 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.
The release added ” 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.
” 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.”
The Forum called on 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 structures.
The Forum assured that they are committed to strengthening the civic space, advancing good governance, and promoting the collective development of Akwa Ibom State.
Signatory to the release included Signed Emem Akpan Nkereuwem – BOT Member, Barr. Ekaete Anwana – BOT Member, Dr. Uduak Akpan – BOT Member, Tijah Bolton-Akpan – BOT Member, Nsekpong Udoh – Secretary BOT and Harry Udoh – Chairman, BOT.
Others are Amb. Peace Edem, Founder, Youth for Change & Social Life Development Foundation (YOFCI), Umo Isua-Ikoh – Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF), Cyril Bieh – Social Edge Development Foundation (Social Edge Africa), Mfon Gabriel – Ibom Peer Foundation, Evelyn Akpan – Arc Initiative for Youth Transformation (formerly, Greater Tomorrow Initiative), Emem J. Ekong – Citizens Community Aid and Development Initiative, Emem Okon – Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative, Imo Udoh – Community Partners For Development (CPD), Edidiong Sambo – Anti-Corruption and Transparency Support Initiative (ACTSI), Iboro Adam-Etuk – Support Persons in Trauma Initiative (SPITI) and Hon. Emem Edoho, Network Advancement Program for Poverty and DRR (NAPPDRR)
The list had Faith Paulinus – Policy Alert, Edidiong Enang – Hallowed Hands Initiative, Blessing Edet – Vitonia Lead Foundation, Mmanti Umoh – Community Stakeholders for Social Good, Usoro Peters – Abundant Word of Faith Foundation, Prof Etim Frank – Centre of Development Research Enlightenment and Advocacy, Akanimo Oriowo – Rebuilders Foundation, EnomfonAbasi Paul-Simon – Steps to Sustainable Transformation & Empowerment Foundation (STEPS), Emem Frank – Dynamic Youth Development Organisation, MaryJane Akpabio – Marusen Foundation, Mfonido Udoekong – Akwamfon Sustainable Community Association, Princess Victoria Umoh – Development Research and Synergy Initiative (DERSI), Etido Ime Akpan – Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG), Immanuela Iniodu – Arts and Skills Development Initiative, Ms. Iboro Nelson, PhD – Silverline Development Initiatives, Rosemary James – Women United for Economic Empowerment (WUEE), Iniobong Frank – Women’s Initiative for Self-Actualization (WISA), Etukudo Imaikop – Life Bridge and Development Foundation, Felicia Robert – Youth Alive Foundation, Mrs. Adeola Ekanem – Partnership for Community Empowerment (PACE), Regina Fabian-Rural Health and Women and Elkanah Oluyori of Clement Isong Foundation.