The Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State Governor on Internal Security in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Mr Tobias Ogbonna, has warned youths and political actors against electoral violence, billboard vandalism and other activities capable of undermining peace ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Ogbonna, who gave the warning while addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, said his office had intensified engagements with relevant stakeholders and community leaders to promote peaceful political participation and prevent a breakdown of law and order before, during and after the elections.
He disclosed that the security office had been holding meetings with stakeholders, including political actors and youth leaders, to sensitise residents, particularly those in rural communities, to the need to shun violence and embrace peaceful electoral conduct.
“We have been doing our best. We have been having a series of meetings with stakeholders and youth leaders to pass information to the rural areas and warn our youths against causing problems or creating crises,” he said.
The governor’s aide specifically cautioned those involved in the destruction of campaign billboards and other political materials, warning that anyone apprehended would face the full weight of the law.
“Tearing down a billboard is a serious offence. If we apprehend anybody involved in such an act, the law will take its course,” he said.
He also warned against the alleged mobilisation of youths by political interests to foment trouble, insisting that security agencies would not condone acts capable of threatening public safety and the credibility of the electoral process.
Ogbonna urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), exercise their franchise peacefully and protect their votes without resorting to violence or intimidation.
“My advice to the youths is to be law-abiding citizens. Go and collect your PVCs and vote for your preferred candidates. Do not cause a crisis. Participate in the election and protect your votes,” he added.
On the recent skirmishes in Okwuaba, the security aide said his office had mobilised personnel to the affected area following reports of unrest, adding that the situation had subsequently calmed.
According to him, the secretary of the relevant traditional leadership structure, David Ntako, had visited the area and confirmed that calm had returned.
He said security personnel moved swiftly to contain the situation, while efforts were continuing to track down those suspected of involvement in the disturbances.
Ogbonna, however, disclosed that no arrest had been made as of Friday, explaining that some of the suspected perpetrators had reportedly fled before security personnel could reach the area.
“No arrest was made yesterday. Before we could reach Okwuaba and Tomugu, some of them had deserted the area, but we are still trailing them,” he said.
He assured residents that the security situation in the area was being monitored, while reiterating the commitment of his office to maintaining peace as the elections approached.
Addressing concerns about the participation of residents of the Ezzagu axis, some of whom he said were still living outside their communities, Ogbonna maintained that efforts had been made to restore confidence and facilitate electoral participation.
He recalled that security stakeholders toured communities across Ohaukwu, including the Ezzagu axis, during the last local government election, adding that the state government had made efforts to restore peace in the area.
According to him, the forthcoming election would hold in all polling units across Ezzagu, expressing confidence that the prevailing security situation would permit residents to participate in the exercise.
On the recent killing of the brother of a serving the state commissioner, Ogbonna ruled out a political motive, describing the incident as the outcome of a personal disagreement.
He alleged that the deceased had been lured to a primary school by a young man, where a misunderstanding reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation that resulted in his death.
“It is not politically motivated. It was a misunderstanding. The young man was lured to a primary school, and in the process, they had an issue and beat him to death,” he said.
The security aide's account of the incident had yet to be independently established.
He urged political stakeholders, community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that peaceful elections required collective responsibility and restraint from all parties.
