He highlighted the importance of the Department of Civil Society/NGOs, established during the administration of former Governor Imoke…
By TheInvestigator
Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State recently announced a series of new appointments to key positions within the state government. These appointments aim to fill existing vacancies and strengthen governance in the state. However, notable by its absence is the appointment of a Special Adviser for Civil Society/NGOs, a position critical for engaging with non-governmental organizations and civil society groups.
In a statement released today, Leader Ben Usang, a prominent civil society leader and public affairs commentator, expressed concern over this omission. He highlighted the importance of the Department of Civil Society/NGOs, established during the administration of former Governor Imoke, which has historically played a vital role in coordinating activities and fostering collaboration between the government and civil society.
Usang emphasized that the department has been instrumental in various initiatives, including the registration and capacity building of civil society organizations, facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements, and organizing key events such as International NGO Day. Under the previous administration of Governor Ayade, the department continued to thrive with the appointment of a Special Adviser and additional assistants.
Despite the department’s successes, the current administration has yet to appoint a political head for the Department of Civil Society/NGOs, resulting in a lack of coordinated policy and program efforts. Usang noted that this oversight could hinder effective engagement with civil society and undermine the support from development partners.
Usang called for the immediate appointment of a Special Adviser for the department, stressing its necessity for continued effective liaison between the government and civil society organizations. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to transform the department into a legislation-backed commission, which would further solidify its role in enhancing civil society operations within the state.
The call for this appointment aligns with recommendations made during the recent South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations in Nigeria, held on June 27, 2024, in Calabar. Participants emphasized the need for an executive-legislative mechanism to improve the regulatory and developmental environment for CSOs in the state.
Usang urged Governor Otu to take swift action in appointing a Special Adviser for Civil Society/NGOs to harness the needs and expectations of citizens and civil society groups, ultimately contributing to the state’s development and enhancing its image within the international development community.