The Ebonyi State Government has declared support for the recently launched Nigerian Army exercise codenamed “Egwu Eke’’, Python Dance II, in the Southeast.

Highlights:

• Gov. David Umahi declared the support when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
• Umahi noted that there was a misconception of the exercise by some people in the region.
• “We support the army; we support the exercise, but please dance by the rules of engagement; dance in the bush, not in the street,’’ the governor said. On the proscribed Indigenous People of
• On the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Umahi condemned the activities of the group, saying “we do not address perceived injustice through violence’’.
• He called for the army establishment of army formation in the border between Ebonyi and Cross River, to address recurring communal clashes in the area.
• Earlier, Buratai restated that the exercise was designed to sharpen the skills of personnel to be able to deal with internal security issues. Buratai stressed that Egwu Eke was carefully planned in the interest of the Southeast and not targeted at any group.
• “We assure you that our troops will abide by the rules of engagement and code of conduct,’’ he said. He said that alongside the exercise, the army would render humanitarian services such as medical outreach and sanitation in various communities in the region and urged the people to show understanding.

Omoleye Omoruyi

Omoleye Omoruyi… an apprentice web/game developer, novelist, sensitive to happenings in the world. Meet him @Lord_rickie on Twitter/Instagram