To Whom It May Concern,

This is to inform the general public, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Donor Organizations and Civil Society Organizations across the West Africa region and beyond that Mr. Komlan Messie is no longer associated with the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF).
He was suspended from his role as General Secretary on April 28, 2022, due to serious concerns regarding his conduct and his lack of cooperation with internal inquiries. Despite his suspension, Mr. Messie has misrepresented himself as a WACSOF representative, engaging in unauthorized activities and spreading false information about the esteemed organization. His contract was terminated on July 31, 2022, due to several issues leading to his suspension, including gross misconduct, abuse and misuse of power, insubordination, and a blatant disregard for the WACSOF charter.

Subversive Activities by Mr. Komlan Messie:

1.    Unauthorized Assembly: Mr. Messie, while in suspension, organized a fraudulent WACSOF General Assembly (Peoples Forum) in Benin Republic on June 30, 2022, without the knowledge of WACSOF Regional Secretariat and approval of the WACSOF Executive Committee, resulting in the illegal election of individuals claiming to be new Executive Committee members.

2.    Theft of Organizational Property: Upon his departure from WACSOF Secretariat in Nigeria, Mr. Messie unlawfully took numerous Secretariat assets, including critical administrative and financial information, as well as an official laptop of the General Secretary.

3.    Misappropriation of Communication Channels: He hijacked WACSOF’s online platforms, including social media accounts and the primary website, using them to disseminate false narratives and malicious attacks against the organization, staff of the Regional Secretariat and legitimate Executive Committee members.

4.    Misrepresentation: Mr. Messie continues to falsely present himself as WACSOF’s Executive Director, a position that does not exist in WACSOF charter, sending unauthorized communications and documents to partners and stakeholders, which undermines the integrity of our organization.

5.    Unauthorized Actions at the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC): Mr. Komlan Messie, with the assistance of a lawyer, approached the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to add himself and his accomplices as Directors of the West African Civil Society Forum. This was done without the knowledge, consent, or resolution from the Executive Committee or the existing Board of Directors. The signatures of current Board members were forged in this process. We have formally notified the CAC of these actions, but Mr. Messie has repeatedly declined their invitations for clarification. An investigation is currently underway to identify these forgeries and instances of impersonation, which are serious offenses punishable under Nigerian law.

6.    Manipulation of Financial Institutions: He attempted to freeze WACSOF’s bank accounts using misleading information, which resulted in significant disruptions to our financial operations. However, the WACSOF Secretariat has since successfully regained control of all previously frozen accounts.

7.    Manipulation and Misinformation Campaign: Mr. Komlan has been manipulating some WACSOF National Platform members and other civil society organizations through misinformation that present himself as a victim of high-handedness and abuse by the WACSOF Executive Committee Members of which nothing of that sort is true.

8.    Legal Harassment: Mr. Messie has initiated multiple legal actions against WACSOF’s Executive Committee members, various authorities, and even agents of the Nigeria Police Force, including a case involving an Abuja High Court Judge, all with the intent of undermining the organization’s leadership and operational integrity. We are pleased to report that these cases have been ruled in favor of the WACSOF Executive Committee members.

Given these serious concerns, we strongly advise all partners, stakeholders, and the public to disengage from any communication or dealings with Mr. Komlan Messie. Any business or agreements conducted with him in the name of WACSOF are unauthorized are done at personal risks.

WACSOF is actively pursuing legal action to address these violations and recover all misappropriated assets. We assure you that we are committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency within our organization.

For official communications, please visit WACSOF Regional Secretariat located at No. 8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, by FCDA, Area 11 Garki, Abuja Nigeria or contact the WACSOF Secretariat at:
–    info@wacsofoscao.org
–    communications@wacsofoscao.org
–    contactwacsof@gmail.com

Thank you for your understanding and support in preserving the integrity of WACSOF.
Click the link below for all the supporting documents of the claims above.