By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR

The Federal High Court in Benin has commenced hearing in the lawsuit filed by the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa against the Edo State Government over the alleged unlawful demolition of its national secretariat located at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre 7, Arena Way, Amagba, Benin City.

The suit names Governor Monday Okpebholo as a key defendant, alongside other officials, over what NBM describes as the illegal trespass and destruction of its property.

A 28-member legal team led by Chief Reginald Asiuwhu filed the case on June 4, 2025, seeking redress and compensation for what it terms a gross violation of its constitutional rights to freedom of association and ownership of property.

Representing the Edo State Government in court were prominent lawyers Steve Okuro, O.C. Igbinedion, C.C. Chinedu, and H.A. Bello SAN.

At Thursday’s court session, the Edo State Government’s legal team, led by Bello SAN, argued that the third defendant had not yet been properly served with court papers. Justice Chukwu Obiozor requested proof of service from NBM’s lawyers, but they were unable to provide it, citing a misplaced document.

Justice Obiozor consequently adjourned the case to June 16, 2025, directing both parties to come prepared with complete documentation and to strictly adhere to legal procedures.

Outside the courtroom, Chief Asiuwhu expressed strong confidence in NBM’s case.

“NBM of Africa is a charitable, non-governmental organization whose secretariat was illegally demolished by the Edo State Government,” he stated. “Before any responsible government demolishes any property, there must be a valid court order. This reckless act is why we are here—to challenge and have it declared unconstitutional.”

Asiuwhu also criticized the government’s labeling of NBM as a “cult organization,” calling it defamatory and unjust.

“Assuming, without conceding, that there are a few bad eggs in the organization, it does not make the entire organization bad. NBM is properly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in line with Nigerian law,” he emphasized.

He argued that the government should have reviewed security footage of the NBM secretariat before taking any drastic action.

He described the demolished building as a “gigantic, well-furnished structure” that also served the community for social events. “How could they demolish it without notice, without giving us a chance to salvage anything, and without any fair hearing?” he asked.

He concluded, “The Edo State Government will pay heavily for what they have done. This will be the last illegal demolition they carry out. We are not just fighting for NBM but for all registered organizations that might be targeted in the future.”

Dr. Sir Chukwudi Ijeoma, President of NBM of Africa Upper South East, also weighed in: “We came here to challenge this illegal demolition. We are a registered organization, and the government should recognize that,” he said.

The NBM of Africa is challenging the demolition of its international secretariat as a violation of its fundamental human rights.

Lawyers representing the Edo State Government declined to comment on the case.

It will be recalled that on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Edo State Government allegedly mobilized bulldozers and staff to the international secretariat of the organization to carry out the demolition of the entire building without prior notice.

Senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has commended the President Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strategic interventions in the fight against insurgency and insecurity nationwide.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo gave the commendation during his familiarisation visit to the Brigade Commander 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare in the capital city of Asaba, Delta State.

He acknowledged the significant progress made in the fight against insecurity in the last two years of President Tinubu’s administration, and called for sustained efforts by government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.

“I want to commend the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR who has done exceptionally well in curtailing insurgency in every part of the country within the last two years of this administration even though there is still a lot more to be done regarding security of lives and properties.

“I want to encourage you (the military) to continue to put in your best because the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly and the entire nation is solidly behind you cheering you on. To the citizens, security is everybody’s responsibility. Like it is said in the United States, “if you see something, say something.”

While stressing that President Tinubu was providing maximum political will and adequate funding to the security architecture of our dear country, he also mention the invaluable contributions of the National Assembly ably led by the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly-His Excellency, Godswill Obot Akpabio for providing the enabling legislative environment for peace and security

The Delta South senator, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said his mission was not to conduct oversight but to identify with the military and better understand their realities.

“My visit today is to familiarize myself with the military formations around my constituency and commend our gallant officers for their dedication. This is not a Senate oversight function, but a personal engagement to hear directly from those at the frontlines.”

“Let’s not at this point forget to recognize a fine gentleman, a gallant soldier, my own brother, the Chief of Defence staff, General Christopher Gwanbin Musa OFR who made this visit possible. Thank you so very much.

“To this command I want to commend the Brigade commander, officers and men of the Army who have dedicated their lives to protecting the citizens of Nigeria, and more particularly, Delta States and environ.”

He called for a minute of silence in memory of the officers who died in active service, especially those killed in Okuama, Delta State, noting that their bravery would never be forgotten.

“We honour our fallen heroes—those who gave their lives for the peace we enjoy today. Their sacrifice must inspire us to do better as a nation.”

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has said that growing local capacity of the Nigerian workforce remains the sure way of curbing unemployment in the country, as he commends the military for relying on direct labour and local contractors in the execution of it’s projects.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo made the observation and commendation in his address during his familiarisation visit to the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare in the capital city of Asaba, Delta State.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo who represents Delta South Senatorial District, said the visit was not for an oversight function but to familiarize himself with military formations within his constituency with a view to having better understanding of their operations, challenges and prospect.

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, reaffirms President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s avowed commitment towards growing local capacity.

According to him, “Let me use this opportunity to briefly talk about the Local content act. As Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content, let me commend the military for the use of direct labor and also using local contractors where it becomes necessary.

“Let me reaffirm the commitment of Mr. President in growing local capacity. Growing local capacity is the sure way to creating employment for our teeming graduates and artisans.

“As industry operators, we cannot blame the federal government for the unemployment when we are the ones aiding and abetting those who are determined to bypass the law.

“We all have a share responsibility. We have to actively be seen to support this Government initiative to create massive employment for our people. Never again, will jobs met for our people outsourced to expatriates.”

Senator Joel-Onowakpo assured Nigerians that the Senate would ensure that Nigerian contractor will get what was due them, and called for continued support of the President Tinubu’s administration.

By Kenneth Obieh, MNIPR 

The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. Mrs. Mininim Oseji, has pledged to collaborate with the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program to enhance service delivery across the state.

Dr. Oseji made this commitment during a courtesy visit by the D-CARES management team, led by the State Coordinator, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe.

She emphasized the importance of adhering to the procurement processes established by the State Procurement Commission to ensure transparency and avoid lapses. Dr. Oseji also urged the team to rigorously implement the key performance framework, so that direct beneficiaries could effectively utilize the program’s offerings.

Earlier, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe congratulated Dr. Oseji on her well-deserved appointment, commending her dedication, efficiency, and accountability.

She highlighted the various activities undertaken by the D-CARES delivery platforms and shared their achievements to date. Dr. Ogbewe also assured the Head of Service of D-CARES’ commitment to exploring collaborative opportunities that would benefit both the government and the communities served.

She reiterated that D-CARES is a state government initiative aimed at promoting economic growth, empowering individuals, and transforming communities across Delta State.

by ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

Hon. Jude Omena Ogbimi, Chairman of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as he marks two years in office as Governor of Delta State.

In a goodwill message, Ogbimi described Governor Oborevwori’s emergence on May 29, 2023, as divinely ordained and strongly backed by the will of the people of Delta State.

“As a leader of proven capacity, your remarkable impact on the development landscape of our dear state comes as no surprise. However, to Deltans, the achievements under your MORE agenda have exceeded expectations,” Ogbimi stated.

He commended the Governor for what he termed “unparalleled leadership” marked by fiscal discipline, transparency, and prudent resource management — traits that have brought about transformative infrastructural and socio-economic advancements across the state.

Among the notable projects highlighted were:

• The construction of three flyovers in Effurun and Enerhen by Julius Berger
• The near-completion of the Asaba-Ughelli Expressway
• The re-awarding and funding of the Ayakoromo Bridge project

“Your administration has repositioned Delta State on the path of smart and sustainable development. The empowerment of small and medium-scale enterprises through financial grants has catalyzed economic growth, while the continuous training of personnel across ministries and agencies has enhanced governance efficiency,” Ogbimi added.

Reflecting on his own institution, he noted: “As Chairman of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, I can affirm that the Governor’s innovative reforms have helped reposition the bank as a profitable and thriving financial entity.”

He concluded by congratulating the Governor on behalf of his family, political allies, and friends:
“Your Excellency, your two years in office have laid a solid foundation for lasting growth. I am confident that your visionary leadership will continue to deliver prosperity for all Deltans through 2031 and beyond. Congratulations, sir!”