Group Kicks Over Demolition of NBM of Africa Secretariat in Benin

Sources: The Nation Online

A group, South-South Professionals & Transparency Initiative (SSPTI), has condemned the demolition of a multi-purpose secretariat complex reportedly built at an estimated N1.5bn belonging to the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa in Benin over an alleged war against criminal elements in the State.

In a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, the body described the decision as vindictive and outrageous, considering the fact that there was nothing incriminating or illegal that had been reported or said to have been associated with the very building.

SSPTI called on the members of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa to explore all available legal means in seeking compensation from the Edo State Government, noting that through a court of competent jurisdiction, the body can be sure of getting justice that would compel the government to pay for the act.

Governor Monday Okpebholo on Friday morning led his team to destroy some perceived hideouts of criminals in the state, including a place where the military had rescued some kidnapped victims held against their wish to learn internet frauds and other crimes.

The Governor led his team and security operatives to the NBM multi-purpose national Secretariat located at Oba Ewuare ll cultural centre No 7 Arena Way Amagba, in the heart of Benin City, and ordered the structure’s demolition based on the allegation that it was being used as a criminal hideout.

The Secretariat was made up of a state-of-the-art 2,000 capacity hall used as an event centre,a skill acquisition centre in addition to 20 tastefully furnished rooms for accommodation hospitality purpose, with a standard indoor swimming pool, a relaxation lounge, 250 KVA generator and other indoor appliances.

According to SSPTI: “Our grouse to the action of the Governor is that he failed to take the battle to the individual houses of these perceived political opponents but preferred to unleash the act of oppression against a collective body who have done him no harm or disturbed his government in any way.

“We even have it on good authority that the members of NBM of Africa, recently carried out some Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) in 12 secondary and primary schools in Edo state, where they donated furnitures, writing materials, school desks and chairs to selected government schools to assist the poor pupils and students to settle into serious academic sessions, as part of an effort to giving back to the society”.

“This is the same set of people the Governor decided to demolish their buildings all because he wanted to get even with some perceived political opponents in the state.

“Consequently, we want the members of NBM of Africa, to proceed to court so as to get justice over Governor Monday Okpebholo high handedness and arbitrarily use of power to oppress a group whose members have proven to be responsible and cultured in the society.”