This was contained in a press conference in Abakaiki, Ebonyi State Capital on Wednesday, by the former Senator.
His statement reads in full;
"Ebubeagu is a security outfit initiated by the five states in the South East geopolitical zone. Introduction of EbubeagU was presented by the five South east governors to the Honourable Minister of Defence; Chief of Defence Staff and Honourable Minister Of Interior, and other Security Chiefs including the Police who gave their Consents at Enugu State Government House when they visited South east to access the horrible security situation in the zone' when police stations and headquarters were attacked, bumt and several policemen killed.
'It got to a point that Ebubeagu Security outfit were said to be protecting police formations in the zone. Since the introduction of Ebubeagu security outfit and other vigilante groups in the zone, banditry, armed robbery and kidnapping have reasonably reduced. It is also not known in Ebonyi state that Ebubeagu security outfit has been used to harass, intimidate, molest or embarrass any member of the opposition group. It is common knowledge that there is no human endeavor that has ever been perfect but it is not impossible that some mischief makers may infiltrate a well intended initiative to derail it.
"However, an illogical generalization that every member of Ebubeagu security outfit is evil cannot suffice in the instant case. It is important to note that every security outfit in the country has its own challenges and such outfits also work hard to rid themselves of bad eggs. Therefore, If anybody in Ebonyi state has identified the bad eggs or any bad egg in Ebubeagu security outfit, the person is free to report such person or operative to the relevant security authorities so that such operative will face the full wrath of the law, instead of throwing the child away with the bath water.
"Meanwhile, while appreciating the concerns of our friends and brothers in the National Assembly over the alleged security situation in the state, I make a passionate appeal that security issue is a very sensitive one that all and sundry should come together to address if there is obvious security breach as alleged. We are all aware that politicizing security matter is very dangerous to any society and should therefore be avoided. Our state Chief Executive, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE like every other Chief executive at all levels is fully aware, that the primary responsibility of govemment is the protection of lives and property of the citizenry and I make bold to say that our Governor has been living up to that expectations in Ebonyi state.
'It is important to mention that Ebonyi state is one State that business and human activities have been moving On smoothly on daily basis. Therefore, I strongly believe that the fear by some politicians that Ebubeagu security outfit are willing political tools during election is imaginary. With greatest respect to our representatives in the House of Representatives, I believe that if His Excellency, the Governor was still to be in the same Party with them, their position in this matter would have been different.
"On this note, I call on those who are expressing such fears to engage the state government on the operational modalities and rules of engagement of Ebubeagu as provided in the law that established it.
I also call on the good people of Ebonyi state to cooperate and support all the efforts being made by the State government in addressing the security challenges in the state while I also urge operatives of Ebubeagu security outfit to continue to observe strictly the operational modalities and rules of engagement in order not to betray the confidence reposed in them".
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