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… desperation what causes violence, attacks
By Peter The Ear, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has on Sunday disclosed that four people have so far lost their lives days after the Ebubeagu security outfit was disbanded by a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki
The governor stated this while briefing Newsman shortly after a marathon meeting with security chiefs at the Muhammadu Buhari Lounge at the Ebonyi International Airport in Ezza South Local Government Area of the State.
Umahi who stated that desperation on the part of politicians was the reason behind some of the attacks and violence recorded in the State, urged security operatives, including those from vigilante groups not to violate the rights of Ebonyi people.
He said the establishment of two vigilante groups would further help the policing of the State, especially during this election.
According to him: “I had a marathon meeting with the security chief. There is no way the Governor will accept violence in a State. Desperation is the problem. I am not fighting with anyone.
“Desperation is what led to the attacks and counter-attacks in the State. Several members of the vigilante were arrested. Four people have died after Ebubeagu’s ban.
“When you come to Ebonyi State, don’t you all love me. 99.9 love me and the rest of the faction hate me, maybe because I don’t meet their needs. Our job is to give confidence to others. Don’t compare Ebonyi with other countries.
“We have no pension debt in Ebonyi State. We have paid N3 billion for gratuity. Some people are getting salary but they are not civil servants. I made the Committee through the Deputy Governor. So we are committed to paying gratuity to State workers.
“I generally think that God is going to do good things in the country. If it is God’s will He will rule Asiwaju. t about people. Blame yourself; you are the ones who spread IPOB’s ideology. They ask for drugs and idols. They appear with turtles – live turtle.
“We talked to our people. It can kill everyone, No? The people must rise up so that elections can be held. If there is no vigilance in this city, you will be afraid to go out. Two new vigilantes have been appointed.
“There is no Ebubeagu in Ebonyi. Even if we appeal, I will not reconstitute him. If an Igbo man becomes President, he cannot develop Ebonyi State. We have served enough and it is time for others to serve us.”