ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- An Igbo group under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL), has condemned series of attacks on governorship candidates in Ebonyi State by thugs allegedly sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The group lamented the recent attack on Benard Odoh, the Governorship candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), allegedly carried out by the state government-owned security outfit, Ebubeagu.
According to a statement on Tuesday by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, such attacks by Ebubeagu Operatives are wicked, barbaric, and a “clear sign of a dictator in power under a democratic administration” in Ebonyi State.
“The vicious attack on gubernatorial candidates of other political parties is a clear sign that the state government is neck deep into corruption and any person or persons that is seen as a stumbling block to enthroning another administration that will cover her tracks is a threat and a candidate for an attack.
“An administration that served the people dutifully, sincerely and has nothing to hide will not be interested in attacking her opponents in the state.”
COSEYL called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, to immediately arrest and prosecute the Ebubeagu Operatives allegedly responsible for the attack on Professor Benard Odoh’s campaign convoy.
The Coalition further demanded the immediate disbandment of Ebubeagu Operatives in the state.
“We are in a democratic administration and the will of the people is paramount. The Ebubeagu Operatives have outlived her purpose and it is time to disband them immediately.
“We have heard a series of their attacks on innocent Ebonyians in the past which they denied but the recent attack on Professor Benard Odoh has exposed their evil deeds in the state,” the statement added.