NBM suspends members for alleged infractions

For attracting negative media coverage over acts that reportedly negate establishment rules, the leadership of Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa Worldwide has suspended 13 members whose conducts currently draw public opprobrium.

The indictment, according to the Pan-Africanist group, is strange to its constitution and operating tenets.

The Movement’s spokesman, Oluwatosin Dixon, who was addressing the Body of Founders (BOF) probing the incident, reiterated the organisation’s zero-tolerance for criminality.

He told the audience at the pioneer NBM leaders’ parley that the Movement’s current National Executive Council (NEXCO) that the body was doing everything possible to weed out criminally-minded persons from its fold through administrative checks on members, especially those vying for official positions within the group. 

On negative media and bloggers’ reports, Dixon clarified that “NBM has constantly briefed journalists and the public that it is a peace-loving and law-abiding Pan-Africanist movement that loathes oppression but loves justice, equity and fairness.”

He stressed that the organisation had collaborated with security agencies to bring criminals to justice.

Dixon said: “We have told them (i.e. the writers, bloggers and publishers) that NBM has no hand or interest in the crimes alleged in the indictments.

“Stop associating crimes committed by individuals with NBM. They should act professionally by being investigative to obtain the facts needed for equitable and verifiable reporting. Our organisation is open to be contacted for clarification and verification where members allegedly involved in crimes and other vices.”

The spokesman further said: “It is morally and legally wrong to ascribe the misdemeanours of some individuals who are allegedly members to our great movement, which is a legal entity, with capacity to sue and be sued.

“Therefore, with the directive given by NEXCO, our legal department shall look into proven cases of flagrant blackmail of NBM to seek redress through law suits against offenders and press charges for criminal libel.”

He, however, lambasted the indicted persons and implored members to imbibe one of the group’s cardinal principles in Section 2 (8) of its constitution, which forbids them from committing social vices or crimes. 

Dixon listed those on indefinite suspension to include Kingsley Ita; Irabor Fatarr Musa; Victor Idowu; Uwadiae Ezezobor, Ehigie Isibor; Richy Enorense Izevbigie and   Perry Osagiede.

Others are Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, Egbe Anthony Iyamu, Osariemen Eric Clement, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, Musa Mudashiru and Ibeh Mark.

He added that the suspended members, who are in Cape Town, South Africa, have rights to defend themselves in the spirit of fair-hearing.