By DADA AYOKHAI
The Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa has taken a decisive stance in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he marks two years in office.
Ironically, the NBM and the Edo State government have been at loggerheads over allegations that the association was deeply involved in the rising cases of cult attacks and senseless murders in the state
Consequently, Gov Monday, Okpehbolo was compelled to bare his fangs and roared with an order for the revocation of NBM’s land title as well as the demolition of its headquarters located in Benin-City, the state capital.
The governor cited credible allegations of their involvement in violent crimes and other illicit activities.
He also directed both the Nigeria Police and the DSS to deploy enhanced strategies to dismantle such groups, with a clear mandate that anyone engaging in criminal actions will face the full force of the law.
However, all this seems to have paled into insignificance with the two sworn enemies now pursuing a common political cause
Gov Okpehbolo and the NBM are both rallying behind the President’s ambition for a second term in 2027, signalling a perplexing alliance given their recent hostilities.
Their joint endorsement of President Tinubu’s candidacy has fostered widespread speculation and concern in the political arena.
Key questions arise: Can Sen. Okpehbolo effectively combat the NBM while also supporting shared political objectives?
The NBM is a registered organization and also involved in charity works notwithstanding the allegations against the association, it is still able to engage in some active politics
Recently, it took out full-page advert in a national daily to congratulate President Tinubu on his second anniversary in office
In the advert, the association commended President Tinubu for his fearless approach to tackling the myriad challenges facing the country.
Will the momentum in the fight against the NBM wane now that the governor and the body seem aligned on a common political front?
The NBM’s congratulatory advertisement was signed by its National President, Olorodun Ese Kakor, underscoring the organization’s support while praising the President for the meaningful advancements his administration has achieved across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
