By; Mkpuma Enyinna, Abakaliki
As a result of the rising attacks and political tension in the state, a Civil Society Organization popularly known as “Save Democracy In Ebonyi State”, has staged a peaceful protest against incessant attacks,intimidation, abduction, torture and other anti democratic tendencies, which have been allegedly targeted against innocent citizens, as well as oppression of the opposing political parties.
The members of the civil society organization which carried out the protest on Monday morning, were seen around Pastoral centre, Mile 50, Abakaliki displaying placards with various inscriptions such as, “Save Ebonyi From Emperor”, Enough is Enough, Ebonyi Must Be Free, Democracy on Trial, Old Government House is Ebubeagu Torture Centre, Stop It Now, Linus Is Innocent, Free Him Now”, among others.
Addressing newsmen after the protest, the leader of the group, Dr. Laz Udeze expressed dissatisfaction over the current political situation the state, which he said, has undoubtedly become a war zone orchestrated by state agents allegedly under the directive of the governor.
Dr Udeze lamented that there has been consistent and outright disregard to the rule of law and therefore, called on Human Rights Organizations and President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as other well meaning Nigerians to come for the rescue of Ebonyians from the ugly political menace.
“ We are terribly disturbed by the anti-democractic tendencies of the Ebonyi State Government led by Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi. The state has undoubtedly become a war zone orchestrated by state agents under the directive of the governor. There has been consistent and shameful disregard to the rule of law, intimidation, abduction and torture of innocent citizens, as well as oppression of the opposition.
“We arise to alert President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians and the whole world in particular on the disturbing issues in our dear state, and call for the rescue of our people.
“Going down memory lane, Governor Umahi who was elected the third civilian Governor of the state in 2015 have become the direct opposite of a civilian leader, and has therefore turned himself into a demi-god, a maximum dictator of sort and has consistently exhibited acts that runs affront to the letters of 1999 constitution (as amended) which he had swore an oath to protect.
“Ebonyi State under Governor Umahi has no accomodation for divergent opinions whatsoever, as anyone that offers contrary opinions on policies and programmes of Government are visited with his ‘koboko’. A recent viral video that showed footages of where the governor directed and supervised the flogging of civil servants by soldiers was just a tip of what Ebonyi people have been enduring.
“Permit us to list some of the atrocious acts sanctioned or defended by the David Umahi administration.
“Yesterday, 20th October 2022, Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh- the APGA governorship candidate and his campaign team escaped death after an attack by Gov. Umahi’s Ebubeagu militia and suspected hoodlums loyal to the APC Governorship Candidate, Hon. Ogbonnaya Nwifuru. This came 3 days after the party raised alarm over a plot to attack its candidates.
“ On Sunday, 16th October 2022, a former House of Representatives member that represented Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie was abducted by the Ebubeagu militia and is currently being remanded in Abakaliki prisons with trumped up charges. He’s also Gov. Umahi’s opponent in Ebonyi South Senatorial Election on the platform of Labour Party,” he said.
