Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), a socio- cultural organisation in Benin, has asked for forgiveness for using Oba of Benin,, Ewuare II’s, insignia on a letterhead without authorisation.

The President of the group, Curtis Ugbo, and another, Odion Olaye, are currently facing charges of threat to peace in an Oredo Magistrates’ Court in Benin.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Haliru Gwandu, on Friday arraigned the two on a two-count charge of threat to peace.

Gwandu alleged that the accused persons threatened to use the militant wing of BSM to launch attacks on oil producing companies operating in Edo.

Members of BSM last week led a peaceful protest to the Nigeria Petroleum Development Corporation office in Benin, demanding, among others, immediate employment for 1,000 Edo youths.

However, in a statement on Sunday in Benin, the group pleaded for forgiveness from the Oba’s palace.

The  BSM Head, Media and Publicity, Kola Edokpayi, and Secretary, Hope Enogieru, said the group’s agitation was informed by the members’ love for the development of Benin and to help many Edo youths gain employment.

“We appeal to our royal father to please forgive us for our ignorance and to temper justice with mercy. We forever remain your subjects.’’

They added: “our action is based on the love we have for our people towards seeking ways to help many of our unemployed youths to nip crime in the bud.”

They restated their support and loyalty to Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s  administration and pledged to work with all security agencies to achieve a crime-free Edo.

“The cardinal objective of this group is to sensitise and make the Benin people know their rights.

“The BSM has no intention and means to cause harm to either anybody, individuals, institutions or facilities in the state or beyond,” the group said.

(NAN)