The Southeast governors have explained why the proposed 24-Hour Joint Patrol to tackle insecurity in the zone has failed to kick off six weeks after.
Recall that the governors had at the end of October promised to raise a joint security patrol on all the major roads in the zone to confront gunmen, herdsmen, and other hoodlums that have held the region under siege.
However, there seems to be a disagreement over the approach and implementation despite lingering attacks and unrest in the region.
While the Imo State government said it has Ebubeagu to fight insecurity and may not be interested in any joint security patrol, the Abia State government insisted South East joint security patrol is still on course.
I Imo State whose people have been under serious accusations of using Ebubeagu to witchhunt real and perceived political enemies said the state is proud to have the outfit, adding that Ebubeagu is formidable and the state may not be interested in any other regional joint patrol.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba said: “We have been working seriously and in full collaboration with all the security agencies. They have been doing a good job of the assignment and there is no plan whatsoever, to disband them.
“Those sponsoring hoodlums to wreak havoc in the state are advised to think twice. Similarly, it is advisable for all social misfits operating in the state, to turn a new leaf, quit their nefarious acts, or quietly relocate from the state, as government cannot afford the luxury of helplessly folding its hand and watching hoodlums overrun the state.”
“Government is not interested in any unnecessary sentiments from anyone. The Yuletide is a matter of days from now. Our people will return home to celebrate with their kith and kin. They don’t need to worry about their safety.
“It is a thing of joy that so many organizations, including the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, and a host of other groups, have been holding their meetings here because Imo State is safe,” the commissioner added.
Meanwhile, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu insisted that the joint security patrol proposed would soon be inaugurated, stating that the outfit would be inaugurated before Christmas, which is 10 days away.
The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikannayo said that finishing touches were being put by the relevant Government officials from the various states together with heads of the security agencies.
In his words: “The plan is on course. A lot has been done. The different Commissioners in charge of Homeland Security or in some states where there is no Ministry of Homeland Security, the Security Advisers, are meeting. But, you don’t expect them to be disclosing the outcome of their meetings. I can confirm to you that immediately after the Governors’ meeting, a series of meetings have been held then.
“The assurance is that there will be a joint patrol. It involves all the security agencies in all the states. It is going to be a joint security task force. All the security agencies, both conventional and vigilante groups, will be involved; this will come on board before Christmas,” the commissioner assured.
