The Delta State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has dissociated itself from a purported election recently organised by Mr. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, saying he does not represent the organisation or have the authority to speak on its behalf.
The group made its position known in an open letter addressed to security agencies across Nigeria, following a report published by FPR News titled, “CDHR Elects New Delta Leadership, Declares Rule of Law, Good Governance Key to Sustainable Development.”
In the letter signed by the state chairman, Comrade Samuel Edoso, and secretary, Comrade Evans Orusi, the group described the claims attributed to Agberen’s purported leadership as false and misleading.
The CDHR leadership alleged that Agberen is a former member of its Delta State Branch, where he served as Udu Unit Coordinator and State Vice Chairman.
According to the group, his disagreement with the organisation began in 2021 when he contested for the position of state chairman but was defeated by Comrade Jonathan Giama.
The group further alleged that Agberen subsequently aligned himself with a faction led by Comrade Edariese Peter, whose leadership, it claimed, is currently the subject of litigation.
The CDHR leadership also alleged that after an unsuccessful attempt to emerge as chairman within the faction, Agberen sought to establish a separate human rights organisation before allegedly creating another faction using the name of the CDHR Delta State Branch.
The group maintained that Agberen is not the chairman of the CDHR Delta State Branch and has no mandate to represent the organisation.
“Mr. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen is not the Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Branch. He has no authority whatsoever to speak for, represent, or act on behalf of the organisation in any capacity,” the statement said.
The organisation further claimed that Agberen had been suspended from the CDHR and accused him of continuing to use the organisation’s name and identity without authorisation.
It alleged that such actions could mislead members of the public and potentially expose unsuspecting citizens, particularly residents of Delta State, to fraudulent activities.
The CDHR therefore called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to carefully verify the identities and mandates of individuals claiming to represent the organisation.
The group specifically urged the agencies to disregard petitions, complaints, correspondence or other representations allegedly submitted under the CDHR name by Agberen and several other individuals whom it said lacked the authority to represent the organisation.
It also appealed to members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent the CDHR Delta State Branch without proper verification.
The organisation further urged media outlets to verify the credentials of individuals presenting themselves as CDHR representatives before publishing their statements.
It called on media organisations that may have inadvertently given legitimacy to unauthorised individuals to issue appropriate corrections or retractions.
The CDHR Delta State Branch said it remained committed to the promotion of human rights, constitutional democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
The group added that it would pursue all lawful remedies against individuals or groups it believes are impersonating the organisation or damaging its reputation.
The statement was signed by Comrade Samuel Edoso, Chairman, and Comrade Evans Orusi, Secretary, of the CDHR Delta State Branch.
