…says Southeast CSOs must reflect the voices of citizens.
ENUGU, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Southeast Nigeria have been urged to adopt constructive engagement with government institutions while maintaining their core responsibility of advocating for citizens’ welfare.
The call was made by Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts Nigeria (GPAAN), Enugu State Chapter, during a civic-tech engagement organised by Kimpact Development Initiative in Enugu.
Dr Igboke addressed CSO leaders drawn from the five Southeast states, advising them to focus on evidence-based advocacy and constructive policy feedback rather than assuming the posture of political opposition.
The discussion comes amid a growing push for Southeast CSOs to register or regularise their operations with relevant government ministries a development that has generated mixed public reactions. While some stakeholders believe regulation could curb excesses among errant organisations, others fear it may further restrict civic participation.
According to Igboke, CSOs play a critical intermediary role by analysing public concerns, monitoring governance, and providing citizens’ feedback that may not reach government through official channels.
“CSOs must evaluate what government is doing right and where improvement is needed, but most importantly reflect the voices of citizens,” he said.
He stressed that constructive criticism must be factual and solution-driven, warning that sensational activism may weaken credibility and reduce opportunities for meaningful engagement with policymakers.
The GPAAN chairman further noted that the responsibility of political opposition differs fundamentally from that of civil society organisations, whose primary focus should remain accountability, policy improvement, and public interest advocacy.
He urged CSOs to maintain ethical clarity, avoid partisan entanglements, and strengthen their integrity to sustain public trust and influence policy direction effectively.
Igboke also emphasised the need for internal reflection within civil society, arguing that maintaining a clear boundary between political alignment and citizen advocacy would enhance credibility and enable stronger partnerships with government actors.
