Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has sought the assistance of the ongoing Operation Python Dance III, otherwise known as Egwu Eke III, by the Military in the South East for the curbing of cult activities in the State.
Umahi made the request on Sunday while performing the official flag off of the exercise at the Nkwoagu Military Cantonment, Abakaliki.
The Governor, who noted that he was informed of fresh outbreak of cult skirmishes in some parts of the State, regretted that the cultists have breached the earlier accord with Government to totally end their nefarious activities.
He therefore requested the channelling of the Python Dance exercise against the cultists, adding that he would not condone the killing of any one through cultism in the State.
Umahi explained: “Just few days back, I learnt of the new clash of the cult groups.
“The Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Services and of course my Senior Special Adviser on Internal Security intimated me.
“I thought that matter had been laid to rest because we had agreement that there will no more be cult activities in the State
“So I want to let them know that I would be directing Operation Egwu Eke III towards them because they have breached the agreement.
“I will not condone losing any life through cultism as the Governor of this State.
“So they have an assignment.
“But I will let them know.”
The Governor however cautioned the Military never to contemplate using the exercise or any of such means to intimidate innocent voters during the forthcoming elections, adding that Ebonyi people were determined to resist any of such attempt from any security outfit.
According to Umahi, the growing concerns across the country on the intended role of the Military in the election demands that they should not meddle with the process.
He said: “GOC, there are concerns not only in the South East but in the entire nation that the Military should not meddle with the election
“And so we must note that in our exercise and I would suggest strongly that your information department should liaise with our new Ministry of Internal Security and Border Peace, which we just created, so that we can collate complaints, if any, and dispose of such in a timely manner.
“We believe as a people that the Military must remain neutral.
“They must protect the tax payers because every tax payer is a boss to the Military man, a boss to the Governor also.
“Let me assure that Ebonyi State will resist any form of security intimidation, be it from the Military, the Police or the SSS.
“We will fight it and, if possible, lay down our lives for it.”
Recalling that the same exercise as done in 2016 and 2017 yielded positive security results, Umahi reiterated that the Government would grant the Military the enabling environment to perform the exercise as long as they play by the rules.
In his speech, the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major General Abubarkar Maikobi, said the exercise had become necessary to adequately prepare the Army and other security agencies across the country to checkmate criminals and criminality before, during and after the forthcoming elections.
Maikobi solicited the cooperation of all to enable the Army deliver on the all important mandate.
He added: “May I also assure your Excellency, the good people of Ebonyi State and indeed the entire people of the South Eastern region that the troops on this exercise will discharge their roles professionally, without molesting or harassing law abiding citizens.”
Recall that Ebonyi State had been selected as the set-up headquarters for the exercise from which other States in the region would be coordinated and monitored.