[FILES] David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State.
Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi yesterday said those criticising Operation Python Dance III in the South East are against Nigeria’s progress, stressing that the nation must move forward.
The state government also donated over 134 security vans and Toyota Sienna cars to security agencies and cooperatives ahead of next month’s election in the state.
While addressing security chiefs, including General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Enugu and stakeholders during the hand over of the vehicles, Umahi commended security agencies for their effort in sustaining the security challenges in the state and the country.
A breakdown of the vehicles showed that the Police would receive 30 vans, Army (four), AIG Calabar (two), State Security Services (three), GOC Enugu (12), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (four), Immigration (one), Prisons (one), Federal Road Safety Corps (2) and Neighborhood Watch (15).
Umahi explained that the 15 vehicles for Neighborhood Watch would be shared among the 13 local government areas of the state, stressing that the vans would be used for joint patrols by the security agencies.
He added that the Herdsmen Committee would also benefit from the gesture.
Umahi commended the GOC 82 Division Enugu, Cantonment Commandant, Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, adding: “The Operation Python Dance III, which was widely misunderstood, has turned out to be a blessing, contrary to predictions.
“So far, there have not been any invasion, no squabble, torture and I believe that with the GOC’s intelligence, Cantonment Commandant and all the soldiers that are working with him, we will continue to prevail.
“We are brothers and sisters across the Niger, and we will continue to remain so. People want us to be enemies, but that cannot help the country. ”
“We have to try love and maintain oneness. This is the only way Nigeria will continue to be one nation. We will continue to commend the GOC and other security agencies, but we ask that a level of professionalism should be maintained, so that our enemies, especially those who are fighting for their stomachs will be put to shame.
“I’m happy when one of them said they will participate in the election so that they will vote me (Umahi) out. I will not fold my hands and allow uninformed Ebonyi people to be slaughtered. When the military struck in Umuahia, Abia State, 90 per cent of people that died were from Ebonyi and they died for nothing.”
