Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi
Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, on Friday, bowed to pressure, agreeing that the South-East security outfit, code-named Ebubeagu, will no longer function in the state.
This was as the governor disclosed that a legal framework, already before the Ebonyi House of Assembly for the establishment of two local security outfits, has been passed into law, to replace the disbanded Ebubeagu in the state.
Recall a Federal High Court, sitting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital had, on Tuesday, disbanded the Ebubeagu security outfit in the state.
The disbandment, according to Kentochmedia investigations, was a consequence of several alleged human rights abuses, extortions, illegal arrests and use of firearms by the security outfit.
Umahi announced the establishment of the two local security outfits, during an enlarged Security Meeting/ Live Broadcast, in Abakaliki, on Friday.
According to him, “On the issue of Ebubeagu, I have directed that Ebubeagu will not function in the state until the Stay of Execution is granted and appeal is entered, this is in obedience to the rule of law and respect for our judiciary which I have great respect for, whether the judgement is good for our people or bad, it is the judgement of the Court.
“However, it must be noted that just about a month ago, another court of equal jurisdiction had passed a judgement restraining anybody from disbanding Ebubeagu, what it means is that I have two judgements on the same subject and I could choose the one to obey if I were not a lover of the judiciary, however, I have decided to obey the later judgement 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, however, let me thank the House of Assembly for passing into law another two sets of vigilante outfits for Ebonyi State whose process started in 2021 but they graciously passed it a few days ago and that is Ebonyi State Neighbourhood Watch.
“Let me say that we have had this Neighbourhood Watch even before now as far back as 2015 and they did tremendously very well so the law is back and they are empowered to function.”
‘EBUBEWGU NO LONGER EXISTS’, EBONYI NEW CP DECLARES
Meanwhile, the newly posted Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police (CP) Falaye Sunday on Friday said that he will not work with Ebubeagu (the security outfit in the region) as it does not exist.
CP Falaye disclosed this to newsmen on Friday, shortly after his meeting with officers and men of the police command at the police Mess, Abakaliki.
He then promised to provide adequate security to protect the people and properties more in the State as the election approaches.
He said, “My plan for the State is to ensure that there is much more security for every citizen of Ebonyi. That they can go about their business freely and sleep with their eyes closed and that in the coming elections on Saturday, people will move freely and exercise their franchise.
“On the believe that the former CP, Aliyu Garbar was partial in his practice in Ebonyi , Falaye stated that the police force is out to serve everyone. “As a National Security outfit, we are not to divulge our plans, but people will go about their business freely, that threat is an empty threat.
“The police belong to everyone, no it is impossible for someone to dominate the national police. Let me assure you the policy is for everybody and we are your friends, we need your cooperation.
“Ebubeagu doesn’t exist anymore, how do I work with what is not in existence?”