Police warn CSOs against unauthorised umbrella body

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammad Azare, has warned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state against the use of the nomenclature “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum.”

The directive was issued during a meeting convened by the commissioner with leaders of various CSOs on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Police Command Headquarters in Uyo.

Azare clarified that the use of this name is unlawful as it creates a misleading impression of being the official umbrella body for all CSOs in Akwa Ibom State, which it is not. He consequently ordered all organisations to cease operating under this unauthorised name (Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum) with immediate effect.

The CP further advised all Civil Society Organisations to operate strictly within the confines of the law and cautioned them against engaging in activities that could threaten public peace and order in the state.

The meeting was attended by leaders of prominent CSOs, including: the Director, Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, Franklyn Isong, Director; Executive Director, Policy Alert, Comrade Tijah Bolton-Akpan; Executive Director, Comrade Elkanah Oluyori, Dr Ini Adiakpan, immediate past State Commissioner of Women Affairs and representatives from various civil society groups.