Ebonyi Stakeholders back Ebubeagu Security outfit, say outfit not political
Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki
As mixed reactions trail the formation of Ebubeagu Security outfit, Stakeholders in Ebonyi state said they are backing the operations of the security outfit to tackle security challenges bedeviling the State in the recent times.
The Stakeholders made the disclosure while interacting with journalists at Executive Chambers old Government Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Speaking, the chairman of Ohaozara local government area, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku hinted that the formation of the outfit was to enhance security of lives and property, following the rising security issues in the State. She said that formation of Ebubeagu security outfit was a collective decision aimed at protecting lives and property of Ebonyi citizenry.
The council chairman who also doubled as the State chairman of All Local of Nigeria stated that they have one hundred percent confidence in the leadership of the present adminstration led by Engr. David Umahi especially his proactive measures in tackling insecurities confronting the State and South East Zone at large.
She commended the Governor for his leadership ingenuity adding that his detractors were causing troubles in the state because he surpassed them in delivering first class services to his people.
The council boss categorically noted that the formation of Ebubeagu was non-political and devoid of witch-hunting, as perceived by some disgruntled elements and called all and sundry to desist from politicizing security issues to guarantee lives and property in the state.
Mrs Iyioku further asserted that security is every one’s business saying the launching of Ebubeagu has done a lot in restoring peaceful coexistence in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
Also speaking, the chairman of Elders Council, Chief Ben Okah maintained that the state remains the most peaceful in the country. He eulogized Governor Umahi for his excellent work in safeguarding the lives of Ebonyians and opposed the meeting conducted by Ebonyi NASS members against Governor Umahi held at Abuja, describing it as ungodly, destructive and heinous crimes against humanity and warned that henceforth anybody who generates crisis in the State would carry it on his or her head.
On his part, the commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy matters, Barr. Samuel Okoronkwo, while expressing his unwavering support to the Governor and that of Ebubeagu security outfit, noted that members of the security outfit have proved beyond reasonable doubt as total peace has been achieved through their operations in the state.
He urged misguided politicians to desist from distracting Governor Umahi with unfounded and unverified allegations that the outfit was formed to fight political opponents.
He further said that Ebubeagu’s formation was an agreement among council chairmen, development center coordinators, town union presidents and traditional rulers adding that no amount of castigation would ever sweep off the operation of the outfit in the state.
However, three traditional rulers from the three senatorial zones in the state including Ezeogo Sunday Oketa Ebonyi North, Ezeogo Dominic Alo Ebonyi Central and Ezeogo Ewa Elechi Ebonyi South all threw their weight behind the operation of Ebubeagu and maintained that they nominated credible men from their various communities as members to assist conventional security agencies in combating crimes and criminality in the rural and urban areas.
The Monarchs urged Ebonyi people to remain supportive to the Governor Umahi-led adminstration to enable him deliver creditably his lofty mission and vision for the rapid and overall development of the state while calling all and sundry to work in synergy with him to ensure peace and tranquility in all parts of the state, and avoid politicizing security issues in their own interest.
Meanwhile, president of all the town union presidents Chief Ugochukwu Akpa commended Governor Umahi for the formation of Ebubeagu outfit saying that the development has helped to nip killings, banditry, burning of police stations among others into the bud.
Chief Akpa added that vigilante groups have also been established in the various communities to fought insecurities and assured the support of the association to move the state forward.
