By Amauche Agbo, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has launched another security outfits called Neighborhood watch and Vigilante Corps following the disbandment of Ebubeagu operatives by Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki recently.
The Governor announced formation of the two security outfits during a meeting with security chiefs, stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders at the new exco chambers, Centenary city, Abakaliki.
Umahi who said Ebubeagu operatives would not operate again until stay of execution is gotten, condemned the sit at home order in the South East zone by the factional leader of the proscribed indigenous peoples of biafara (IPOB) Simon Ekpa to disruption elections in the zone, urged Ebonyi people and South East at large to disregard such order and participate actively in the elections without any fear of molestation or intimidation.
The Governor noted that the launching of neighborhood security watch and Vigilante corps, were to complement the conventional security in protecting the lives and property of the citizenry saying that the outfits and Ebubeagu would not be allowed to participate in an elections in the State.
He expressed worry on the gruesome killings of Ebubeagu operatives and other security agents in some parts of the State while decrying the recent protest against the disbandment of Ebubeagu in the State and ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone who engage in such act as he has respect for judiciary.
Umahi further directed security agencies to arrest POS operators who are charging exorbitantly and ordered the reopening of scrap market and appealed the operators to stop buying and selling of cables, rods and other materials vandalized and stolen from government infrastructures and installations.
The Governor announced the waiving of taxes for 30 days, stoppage of shops locking for non payments of rents in the markets and parks with the view to alleviate the sufferings of Ebonyi people in this economic hardship.
He enjoined Ebonyi people to shun violence on the economic hardship occasioned by the change of naira note as President Buhari is on top of the situation while commending him for his giant efforts in tackling the present challenges facing the Country and thanked the security agencies he said have paid supreme sacrifices in making sure peace reigns in the State.
Meanwhile, Umahi called on the central bank of Nigeria CBN to provide cash for Ebonyi people to ameliorate their sufferings.