Ebonyi warns NGOs against illegal operations

EBONYI State Government on Tuesday, warned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state against illegal operation and extortion, alleging that some NGOs in the state have been extorting money from unsuspecting public.

  A statement by the state Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Stephen Odo, said, a taskforce team has been inaugurated to work with security agencies to fish out alleged offenders for possible prosecution.

  The statement further urged victims to report activities of NGOs alleged to be extorting members of the public to ministry.

  It urged NGOs in the state to visit his office with necessary documents and details of their operation for proper verification and clearance.

  According to the statement,“the Ebonyi State Government has noted with dismay the continued illegal activities of some non-governmental empowerment operators and organisations now organising symposia and meetings under diverse guise which include offering money, cars, motorcycles, electronics, food items, etc, to participants as incentives, with subtle moves to extort money from them.

  “Consequently, the operators of these organisations are invited to report to the Ministry of Human Capital Development and Monitoring, 2nd Floor. Block 4, State Secretariat, Centenary City, Abakaliki, with all necessary documents and the details of their operation for proper scrutiny and certification.

  “The general public is hereby advised to report any such operation in their area to the ministry. A task force has been inaugurated to work in collaboration with security agencies to fish out defaulters. The operators are warned to adhere to the rules and maintain the already existing peace in the state.”