Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has suspended the operation of the Ebubeagu Security Outfit, in preference to the Federal High Court decision, which declared the security outfit as illegal.
In his place, Mr. Umahi announced the setting up of two new vigilante outfits – Ebonyi Neighborhood Watch and Ebonyi Vigilante Corps.
The Federal High Court in Abakaliki recently dissolved the Ebubeagu Security Outfit, after ruling that its existence and operation in Ebonyi State was illegal.
Ebubeagu was allegedly involved in illegal detention, torture and extra-judicial killings.
At Ebonyi State Government through the Information Commissioner, Uchenna Orji, said he would appeal the court’s decision.
“The Ebubeagu security outfit will not function in the country until the execution is granted and the appeal is filed.
“This is according to the rules of the law; and whether it is good or bad for our people, it is the judgment of the court,” Mr. Umahi said at a security meeting in the country.
The governor recalled that the judgment of the same court of jurisdiction had last month prevented anyone from dismantling Ebubeagu’s security outfit.
Also read: Ebubeagu will not be part of election security – Police
“This means that I have two decisions on the same subject, so the second one should not be entertained because of the previous decision.
“I can choose to obey if I don’t like the court, but choose to obey the latter.
“As long as execution is granted, Ebubeagu will be used again,” the governor said.
He thanked the Ebonyi House of Assembly for passing the law that created the two vigilante groups saying the process would start in 2021.
“When Ebubeagu returns, everyone must not violate the rights of the people.
“No one will participate in the upcoming general elections and the people should take note of this,” the governor said.
Mr. Umahi called on political parties in the state to conduct their activities with dignity and not get heated during elections.
(IN)
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