From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
The establishment of the South East Security Network, otherwise called Ebubeagu, has no political motive, Ebonyi State Commander of the outfit, Friday Ujor, has said.
He stated this during a general meeting of the guards drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state, at the Unity Square, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital. He explained that the meeting was part of the continuous training of the Ebubeagu personnel to be alert over the spate of insecurity in the society.
Ujor debunked the rumour, allegedly propagated by the opposition in the state that the security outfit was formed solely to protect the political interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that Ebubeagu was for the interest of everyone.
The Commandant Ujor also advised residents of the state not to allow themselves to be influenced negatively in the forthcoming local government and the general elections, as such persons would have themselves to blame when caught.
“Most of you may have forgotten what prompted the formation of Ebubeagu Security in the South East zone by engaging yourselves in other things which are not in line with the code of conduct of the security organisation.
“Very soon, election campaigns will start and some of the politicians may wish to bring in thugs from different parts of the country into the state, to cause all kinds of trouble and atrocities; we are also approaching Ember months which people regard as the most dangerous segment of the year.
“It is on this note that I am charging you to be focused and live up to your responsibilities,” he said.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Eze Ikechukwu, also urged every officer to always be at alert while on duty post, in order not to fall victim to the unknown, adding that any officer who deviated from the code of conduct of the organisation shall face dismissal.