Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Piqued by the increasing wave of attacks on the opposition candidates in Ebonyi State, Igbo youths under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youths Leaders, COSEYL, have called on Governor David Umahi, to immediately disband the Ebubeagu security outfit.
The Igbo socio-political youth organisation has also demanded immediate stoppage of vicious and senseless attacks on the opposition candidates in Ebonyi State.
COSEYL in a statement by its President, Goodluck Ibem, alleged that Ebubeagu outfit has rather become a threat and security risk to innocent citizens.
“We are in a democratic administration and the will of the people is paramount. The Ebubeagu operatives have outlived her purpose and it is time to disband them immediately.”
COSEYL strongly condemned the recent attack on the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state, Professor Benard Odoh.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read in part: “Such vicious attacks on gubernatorial candidates of other political parties by the state government using her security militia Ebubeagu operatives is wicked, barbaric, and clear sign of a dictator in power under a democratic administration.
“All those Ebubeagu operatives who allowed themselves to be used in such show of shame should be immediately arrested and prosecuted.
“The vicious attack on gubernatorial candidates of other political parties is a clear sign that the State Government is neck deep into corruption and any person or persons that is seen as a stumbling block to enthroning another administration that will uncover its tracks is a threat and a candidate for attack.
“The attacks on other political parties in the state exercising their constitutional rights to political campaigns as guaranteed by our constitution is undemocratic and unacceptable,” COSEYL said.
The Igbo youths group argued that an administration that served well do not need to use force the install its successor.
“An administration that served the people dutifully, sincerely and have nothing to hide will not be interested in attacking its opponents in the state. Only a deep seated corrupt administration will be engaged in attacking its opponents in other to cover up its tracks. The recent attacks have exposed the true position of things in the state.”
COSEYL called for the immediate arrest of Ebubeagu operatives involved in the attack on Odoh.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, to immediately arrest and prosecute those Ebubeagu operatives who made themselves a cheap tool in the hands of the State Government to attack Professor Benard Odoh’s campaign convoy and we demand an immediate disbandment of Ebubeagu operatives in the state.”
