The leadership of Neo Black Movement (NBM),of Africa Worldwide has suspended some members in reaction to publications on criminal charges filed and pending against some of its members in South Africa.
The indictments bothering on criminal activities are inimical to the organization’s constitution and defy its norms and practices ,the movement said .
NBM has zero tolerance for any criminal act, according to its spokesman, Mr. Oluwatosin Dixon, speaking at a Body of Founders (BOF) Lagos workshop probing the unfortunate incident.
Dixon explained to the audience of pioneer NBM leaders that the movement’s present National Executive Council (NEXCO) was doing everything possible to weed out any criminally-minded persons from its fold through various administrative checks on members, especially those vying for official positions in the organization’s socio-political structures.
On negative media, especially bloggers’ reports, Dixon emphasized that NBM has constantly briefed journalists and the public that it is a peace-loving, law-abiding, Pan-Africanist movement that loathes oppression but loves justice, equity and fairness. He stressed that the organization has always collaborated with security agencies to bring criminals to justice, whether they are members or not.
Dixon went on: “We have told them (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 organization is open to be contacted for clarification and verification where members are allegedly involved in crimes and other vices.
“It is morally and legally wrong to ascribe the misdemeanors 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.
Dixon lambasted the indicted persons and implored members to imbibe one of NBM’s cardinal principles in Section 2 (8) of its constitution, which forbids them not to be involved in social vices or crimes.
Dixon’s briefing was acknowledged by the BOF leaders present at the workshop with positive inputs from other speakers asking the NEXCO to expedite its action plan to clear the organization of any complicity and seek legal redress against any blackmailer of NBM.
The leaders further advised the NEXCO to do more by swiftly punishing any member found to be complicit and involved in crimes, including corrupt officials who encourage them.
Dixon later listed the following persons placed on indefinite suspension by the NEXCO: Kingsley Ita, Irabor Fatarr Musa, Victor Idowu, Uwadiae Ezezobor, Ehigie Isibor, Richy Enorense Izevbigie, Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, Egbe Anthony Iyamu, Osariemen Eric Clement, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, Musa Mudashiru and Ibeh Mark. Dixon explained that those suspended have the right to defend themselves in line with NBM’s constitutional provision on fair hearing.
The workshop was held as an emergency sitting on Saturday 23rd October, 2021. It was adjourned until the next sitting/briefing of the BOF quarterly meeting in December 2021.