The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has dissociated itself from a purported statement against SERAP, describing the publication as unauthorized and misleading. In an official clarification issued on Saturday, the organisation said the individuals linked to the publication were not acting on behalf of the group and lacked constitutional authority to represent its position.
The controversy emerged following reactions to comments reportedly issued in the name of CDHR concerning the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The development drew attention within civil society circles amid ongoing public discourse surrounding legal and governance-related matters involving advocacy groups in Nigeria.
CDHR, a long-standing human rights organisation, has historically collaborated with several civic groups on issues relating to accountability, democratic governance, and the rule of law. The organisation stated that issuing a hostile statement against SERAP would be inconsistent with its institutional tradition and long-standing partnerships within the civil society space.
In the statement jointly signed by National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and General Secretary, Comrade Idris Afees Olayinka, CDHR said it did not authorise the remarks attributed to Debo Adeniran and Onyibe Jeremiah. The organisation urged the public, media organisations, and civil society actors to disregard the alleged statement against SERAP and any related representations made by the individuals.
According to the group, the individuals mentioned were not recognised within its leadership structure or official communication channels. CDHR stated that they could not speak for the organisation “under any circumstance,” adding that their actions were outside the constitutional framework of the body.
The organisation further stressed that it was not its practice to attack allied civil society organisations, particularly on issues already subject to judicial consideration. CDHR reaffirmed its solidarity with SERAP and other civic organisations working toward accountability and democratic freedoms in Nigeria. The group also maintained that the alleged statement against SERAP did not reflect its official position.
The clarification highlights ongoing tensions and internal disputes that can arise within civil society advocacy spaces, particularly during politically sensitive legal and governance debates. Analysts say public disavowals of unauthorised communications are significant for preserving institutional credibility and public trust.
The incident also underscores the importance of verified communication channels in the dissemination of statements linked to advocacy organisations. Observers note that inaccurate attribution of a statement against SERAP could affect relationships among civic groups working on governance and accountability issues.
