Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi on Wednesday inaugurated the state chapter of the South Eastern Security Network, Ebube Agu.
Speaking during the ceremony at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Umahi noted that the security outfit was formed following an outcry for personnel that will assist the police and other security agencies in fighting crime across the South-East region.
The governor maintained that though the outfit has been structured under a state commander, it will still be under the supervision and control of the Ebonyi State Police Command.
He, therefore, warned members of the new outfit against engaging in superiority fights with the police, as he would ensure that anyone who is found guilty would be sacked.
“Let me say that what we have here is very lawful and will continue to be for the benefit of our people. Let me Commend the handlers, what I saw today is very very encouraging. And let me thank in a very special way the Commissioner of Police and all his officers for the efforts they have made towards our security architecture in Ebonyi State.
“I am moved to challenge the Attorney General and the handlers to expand the law to include their promotion of the men, to include a greater measure for their welfare, dedication, and excellent performance, to make this an employment opportunity for our people and to make it pensionable.
“Everybody will die one day so nobody is afraid of speaking about death. But in the unlikely event of anyone being killed in active service, we will make a provision to assist the families, and for the burial.
“In 2022, we will make this outfit the envy of all the people seeking employment. We will pay you what a graduate in grade level 12 cannot get.
“Let me say that section 7(7) of the law says that the function of Ebube Agu is to assist the police and other security agencies in carrying out any lawful activity that will assist in maintaining law and order in the state.
“So this outfit is not alternate police, but this is an outfit that is totally under the tutelage, supervision, and monitoring of the police. There shall be no altercation or superiority fights as you are under the police force.
“Anybody who doesn’t like it and wishes to do otherwise can bow out because this is what our law says. You will not fight the police or disagree with the police. You will obey all lawful orders of the Commissioner of Police in the state,” Umahi explained.
Umahi, in response to the calls for the disbandment of the outfit by opposition leaders, debunked claims that the outfit was launched for intimidating members of the opposition ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state.
He explained that the outfit, in line with the law that established it, will work in synergy with the police and other security agencies in the state to curb crimes.
“Let me also say that the outfit is not politically motivated, but those who have been sponsoring insecurity in the state, and who are afraid of the outfit, can go to court to challenge the law as this outfit will never be disbanded,” he stated.
