The Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) popularly known as the Black Axe, is a Nigerian confraternity founded in 1976 at the University of Benin in Nigeria. Like many other Nigerian confraternities, the NBM was formed as a social organization but later became involved in criminal activities such as robbery, drug trafficking, and cultism. In recent years, the NBM has spread beyond Nigeria to other African countries and even to Europe and North America.
One of the most prominent members of the NBM is Gabriel Oseloka Osifo, also known as Obote. Obote is a Nigerian businessman and politician who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 representing the Ikpoba-Okha/Egor constituency in Edo State. But Obote's notoriety stems from his involvement with the NBM, where he has risen to become one of the most influential members.
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The Rise of Obote in NBM
Obote's rise in the NBM can be traced back to his days as a student at the University of Benin where he was initiated into the confraternity. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the top leaders of the organization. Obote's influence within the NBM grew even stronger after he graduated from the university and went into business. He used his wealth and connections to expand the NBM's operations, making it one of the most powerful and feared confraternities in Nigeria.
Obote's involvement in the NBM has not been without controversy. He has been accused of being involved in various criminal activities including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. However, he has always denied these allegations and has never been convicted of any crimes.
Obote's Political Career
Despite his controversial reputation, Obote has managed to build a successful political career. In 2019, he ran for election to the House of Representatives representing the Ikpoba-Okha/Egor constituency in Edo State. He ran under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won the election with a wide margin.
Obote's election to the House of Representatives was a significant achievement for the NBM. It was the first time that a member of the confraternity had been elected to public office in Nigeria. Obote's victory also signaled the growing influence of the NBM in Nigerian politics.
However, Obote's election has not been without controversy. Some have accused him of using his position in the NBM to rig the election in his favor. Others have raised concerns about his links to criminal activities and his ability to govern effectively.
Obote's Vision for Nigeria
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Obote has a vision for Nigeria that he believes will transform the country. He has called for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He believes that these investments will create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.
Obote has also called for an end to corruption in Nigerian politics. He believes that corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria's development and that it needs to be tackled head-on. He has promised to work tirelessly to root out corruption and to promote transparency and accountability in government.
Conclusion
Obote's rise in the NBM and his successful political career are a testament to the power and influence of Nigerian confraternities. While some view these organizations as criminal gangs, others see them as a necessary part of Nigerian society. Whatever one's view, there can be no doubt that the NBM and its members like Obote have had a significant impact on Nigerian politics and society.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Obote and the NBM. Will they continue to grow in influence and power? Or will they eventually be brought down by the forces of law and order? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, the story of Obote in the NBM is a fascinating one, full of intrigue, controversy, and power.
