‘Stop Threatening Us for Supporting PDP,’ Ezza Youth Tells Ebonyi Govt, Urges Intervention of Police, DSS
A socio-cultural organisation, the Ezza Ezukuna Youth Assembly (EEYA) has raised the alarm over alleged “threats, harassment and intimidation” of its members by some agents of the Ebonyi State Government.
In a press conference addressed in Abakaliki on Friday by the Executive of the organisation led by its National President, Comrade Sunday Nelson Orogwu, the EEYA alleged that, “these threats, harassment and intimidation have been intensified since the Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly (EEYA) unanimously endorsed the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.”
Explaining further, comrade stated that, “In all Ezza communities, agents of the Ebonyi State Government have been going from house to house to harass, and intimidate our leaders, our parents, stakeholders and elders. These government agents have threatened to burn down our houses and even kill us. These agents of the government have vowed to chase us away from our various communities.”
The group, however, reiterated that it remains firm in excising its constitutional rights urging politician in the state to play by the rules by respecting the rights of every Nigerian citizen to make choices in the best interest of the growth of democracy in the state. “As bonafide, stakeholders in the democratic process in Ebonyi State, we assure the that we are not intimidated, we cannot be intimidated and Ebonyi belongs to all of us,” the group declared.
The EEYA leadership, therefore called on security agencies to ensure that the democratic rights of Nigerians were protect irrespective of political affiliations.
“We, therefore, call on the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian military to be vigilant and protect and the democratic rights of every Ebonyian irrespective of political affiliation or position in government,” the group stated.
Below is the EEYA full statement:
TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF THE EZZA EZEKUNA YOUTH ASSEMBLY (EEYA) AT THE DAFODIL HOTEL ABAKALIKI
Good afternoon gentlemen of the press, Ladies and Gentlemen.
We are here today to call the attention of Nigerian security agencies, the people of Ebonyi State, Nigerians at large and all lovers of democracy and the rule of law to the threats, harassment and intimidation of leaders and members of of the Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly (EEYA), our parents, stakeholder and our supporters by agents of the Ebonyi State Government.
We note that these threats, harassment and intimidation have been intensified since the Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly (EEYA) unanimously endorsed the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
In all Ezza communities, agents of the Ebonyi State Government have been going from house to house to harass, and intimidate our leaders, our parents, stakeholders and elders. These government agents have threatened to burn down our houses and even kill us. These agents of the government have vowed to chase us away from our various communities.
We note that, EEYA, as a legitimate civic organisation formed in the year 2021 which has always expressed our support for good governance issues including election. We retain the constitutional rights as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), to freely associate with legitimate organisations, including political parties. It is our right to support anyone we deem fit and able is solving the existential economic and social issues confronting our dear Ebonyi State.
To this end, we remain resolute in our support and endorsement of Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
We, therefore, call on the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian military to be vigilant and protect and the democratic rights of every Ebonyian irrespective of political affiliation or position in government.
As bonafide, stakeholders in the democratic process in Ebonyi State, we assure the that we are not intimidated, we cannot be intimidated and Ebonyi belongs to all of us.
We urge all political parties, community leaders and indeed the government of Ebonyi State to respect the rights of all Ebnoyians , we believe that the essence of political campaigns is for politicians to see their programmes and achievements to the electorate and NOT to threaten them.
We reiterate that none person has the monopoly of threats and violence.
We, hereby, call on all members of EEYA to remain resolute as we shall collectively resist resist any form of threats, intimidation and harassment.
We remain Hopeful and Dependable!
Long Live Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly
Long Lived Ezza Ezekuna
Long Live Ebonyi State Nigeria
Signed:
Hon Comrade Sunday Nelson Orogwu
National President
For:
Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly