The leadership of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM), a Pan-African group, has reiterated that the organization’s membership is open to the public and that it operates under a constitution accessible to everyone.
The group, the leadership reaffirmed, dissociates itself from the Black-Axe Confraternity, which operates as a secret cult organization.
Clarifying NBM of Africa’s vision and mission while addressing newsmen in Warri over the weekend, its President, Olorogun Ese Kakor, noted that the organization believes strongly in giving back to society through various humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the burdens of the people.
He cited examples such as donations to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Okuoma community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, which was recently invaded by soldiers.
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Other examples included donations to flood victims in their camps during recent devastating floods, providing pro bono services to those who cannot afford legal assistance, and constructing boreholes to supply potable water to communities.
“In addition to these, we have also conducted a series of free medical services, especially eye tests and treatments in some communities in need, and we have offered scholarships to indigent students we have identified to ensure they are not constrained by funding,” Kakor said.
“And it may interest you to know that we are funding all these humanitarian projects from the monthly dues, contributions, and levies paid by our members, both within and outside the country. We are prepared to present our bank statements for scrutiny whenever security agencies request it.”
He continued, “We also want to clarify that some of our activities, like meetings, elections, seminars, and conferences, are monitored by security agencies, including the police and DSS, to report their findings. We have never denied them access to our events to prove that we have no sinister agenda.”
Kakor further emphasized, “Even the election that brought me into office in 2021 and 2023, held in Asaba, Delta State, was conducted under the supervision of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the police, who then forwarded their reports to their respective Commands for processing and documentation. Our doors are open to anyone who wishes to learn about us and our objectives as an organization.”
Addressing the confusion surrounding the NBM and the Black Axe Confraternity, Kakor explained that the use of the axe in NBM’s logo symbolizes the ideals of the founding fathers as outlined in the constitution’s first page. “Just as farmers use axes to cut down trees and break through hard rocks, we also believe in using the axe to fight corruption, crime, oppression, and intimidation in society,” he said, stressing that the organization has no connection with the Black Axe Confraternity and that its logo does not signify violence or lawlessness.
The statement concluded, “We will not allow anyone else to tell our story. NBM of Africa should not be held responsible for plagiarism or imitation by other groups. We welcome investigations by security agencies into our affairs. Our books are open for audit and review. Our finances come from contributions and levies mutually agreed upon by our members. The actions of one member do not represent the entire organization. Similarly, the fact that some Nigerian policemen, FBI agents, or officers from the Metropolitan and German police are involved in crimes does not mean that the entire police force is corrupt or criminal.”
He added, “There are religious organizations whose priests and clergymen are expected to live by lawful standards, yet some engage in crimes like child defilement. Should we now label the entire religious organization as criminal? NBM should not be defamed or disparaged for the offenses committed by individuals.”
“It is libelous to affiliate NBM of Africa with Black Axe. This is a warning to anyone attempting to malign our character; we are ready to take legal action. The rights of individuals should be respected. Anyone who has committed a crime should be arrested, but the organization should not be held responsible for the crimes of individuals.”
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