From Moshood Karim
In a bold demonstration of civil activism, the Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria on Thursday took to the streets of Benin City in a peaceful protest, demanding action against what they described as “monumental corruption and wickedness.”
The protesters, led by Union President Comrade Lucky Orukpe, marched through major streets, ending their protest at the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The protest was driven by frustration over the EFCC’s inaction on a petition submitted in 2013, accusing a prominent figure, Madam Blacky Ogiamie, of embezzling ₦100 million intended to support Edo market women.
The funds in question were reportedly released by the administration of former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole in 2013 to improve the welfare of vulnerable people, market women and enhance their trades. According to Orukpe, the funds never reached their intended beneficiaries.
“No market woman from Edo North received a kobo. We only found one woman from Edo South who claimed she was given ₦50,000. This is a grave injustice,” Orukpe stated, emphasising that the funds were meant for empowerment, not personal gain.
He further declared that if the EFCC does not act on the petition within seven days, the Union will escalate the protest to Abuja.
Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Corruption Must End in Nigeria,” “Edo Government Ban Evil Union in Edo Market,” and “Evil Union Responsible for Hike in Foodstuff Prices.”
In response, EFCC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Williams Osaghae, addressed the protesters, urging them to remain calm. He assured the group that their concerns would be addressed and led them into the EFCC premises to resubmit their petition, which was initially filed in 2013.
The petition calls for an investigation into the alleged embezzlement by Madam Blacky Ogiamie of the ₦100 million grant, urging the EFCC to take immediate action after years of inaction.
As the seven-day ultimatum approaches, all eyes are on the EFCC and the response from authorities regarding this long-standing issue.
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