By Sunday Apah
The South-South Professionals & Transparency Initiative (SSPTI) has criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for ordering the demolition of the multi-purpose Secretariat of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa in Benin. The complex, valued at approximately N1.2 billion, was destroyed as part of the governor’s alleged initiative to combat criminal activity within the state.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, SSPTI condemned the governor’s actions as vindictive and unjustified, emphasizing that no criminal or illegal activities had been linked to the building in question.
The organization urged the NBM of Africa to seek legal recourse against the Edo State government in order to obtain compensation for what they characterized as a blatant abuse of power by Governor Okpebholo. They believe a competent court could deliver justice that would hold the government accountable for this unwarranted decision.
It was reported that Governor Okpebholo led a team to dismantle suspected hideouts for criminals in the state, which included the location where military personnel had previously rescued kidnap victims forced to engage in fraudulent activities. During this operation, he ordered the demolition of the NBM Secretariat, alleging without substantiation that it served as a hideout for criminals.
The NBM Secretariat, estimated to have cost over N1.5 billion, features a state-of-the-art 2,000-seat hall for events, a skill acquisition center aimed at empowering local youth, 20 well-furnished guest rooms, a standard indoor swimming pool, a relaxation lounge, a 250 KVA generator, and various other facilities.
According to SSPTI, the group’s investigation suggests that Governor Okpebholo’s actions were politically motivated, targeting prominent members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who are believed to have ties to the NBM of Africa.
SSPTI criticized the governor for choosing to attack a collective organization rather than addressing individual political opponents directly, stating, “This act demonstrates a use of oppression against a group that has not harmed or disturbed his government in any way.”
Furthermore, the organization noted that the NBM of Africa has been involved in significant charitable activities, including recent donations of furniture and school supplies to numerous primary and secondary schools in Edo State, aiming to support underprivileged students.
“In targeting these responsible and community-oriented individuals, the governor has overstepped,” SSPTI concluded, encouraging NBM members to pursue legal action against Governor Okpebholo for his perceived overreach and misuse of power.
