Ebonyi State police commissioner, Garba Aliyu yesterday insisted that the South East Security Network, (Ebubeagu) has no role in electioneering campaigns and warned local government chairmen, political party stakeholders to desist from engaging Ebubeagu operatives bearing arms.
Aliyu made the declaration during a meeting with the state’s resident electoral commissioner, political party stakeholders and local government chairmen held at the Police Officers Mess in Abakaliki.
He maintained that Ebubeagu was not created for any political purposes, rather to complement the security architecture of the state with the state actors.
“Therefore, no LG chairman nor political party stakeholders should engage the Ebubeagu bearing arms of whatever caliber for whatsoever reason. Ebubeagu are not created for their political aggrandizement rather they are to strengthen security of the State as non-state actors,” he said.
He stated that any member of the group found wanting will be dealt with accordingly, adding that currently, about 25 members of the security outfit are currently at the Abakaliki Correctional center while others are in police custody for various offences.
Aliyu maintained that all political parties have the right to campaign and conduct their rallies in accordance with the stipulations of the Law devoid of breakdown of Law and Orders in the State.
“If a political party elects to hold a political rally in a specific venue which is Government/Public facility, the political party must apply to the LG Chairman of the jurisdiction for permission to make use of such venue”.
“In the event the Chairman refused/ declined his permission, such party can notify the commissioner of police for onward communication of the same to the chief security officer of the state for his approval.
He also warned against the recruitment of thugs and hoodlums for the purposes of electioneering campaigns and warned that the command would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the state commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mr. Gbolade Felix also raised the alarm over alleged Sewing and clothing of none security operatives with the uniforms of the command.
He said intelligence reports gathered revealed that the act is currently going on in the state and warned the perpetrators to desist from the act.
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