Barely eight days before the 2023 general elections, Governor David Umahi has accepted the disbandment of the Southeast Ebubeagu Security in Ebonyi State as ruled by Justice Fatun Riman of the Federal High Court Abakaliki three days ago.
Umahi has subsequently inaugurated another two internal security groups codenamed Neighbourhood Watch and Ebonyi State Vigilante Corps to complement the efforts of security agencies in safeguarding the lives and property of the residents of Ebonyi State.
Recall that Justice Riman disbanded Ebubeagu three days ago because its establishment was illegal and ordered the Police and the Department of State Security to arrest and prosecute anyone found carrying arms in the name of Ebubeagu Security outfit in the State.
However, Umahi who responded to the matter, Friday during a broadcast to the people of Ebonyi State on the issues of peace and security in Ebonyi said the state would obey the judgement of the Court until the judgement is vacated at the Appellate Court.
"I have decided to obey the later judgment that says that Ebubeagu should not function, so for now, Ebubeagu should not function while we process the stay of execution and appeal entered at Enugu and Ebubeagu when granted will begin to function again," he said.
The governor tasked the two newly inaugurated internal security groups not to participate in the forthcoming general elections in the state.
He equally expressed concerns over the alleged threats issued by a separatist group led by Simon Ekpa, to disrupt electoral processes in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
“We are aware of certain complaints regarding the security situation in our state and South East which in the course of this address will be discussed. On the issue of the threat to disrupt elections in the south East and by extension in Ebonyi State, I want to appeal to our people to please listen to the voice of reason and disregard whatever announcement that is intended to disrupt elections in South East and other parts of the Country and in particular Ebonyi State. Our people must be very very vigilant about this.
“We would like the traditional rulers and all stakeholders to hold meetings in their villages to appeal to our people not to carry out such threats as security agencies would not fold their hands and allow elections in Ebonyi State and South East to be disrupted.
“So, our appeal is to our brothers and sisters who are being used without knowing what they are fighting for to carry out such threats, threats of killings, threats of the burning of properties and other violent activities. Let me assure Ebonyi people and all those who are coming for this election that we will do everything within the limit of the law to protect their lives and that elections must hold as scheduled and very peacefully too,” Umahi said.
Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
