Gov. David Umahi has directed the Ebonyi Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to suspend the April 26, local government election following COVID-19 pandemic to protect lives of its citizenry.
The governor, who gave the directives during an Easter broadcast to people of the state on Saturday in Abakaliki, also placed a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles.
Umahi directed the EBSIEC Chairman, Mr Jossy Eze, to convey a stakeholders’ meeting to brief them on the suspension of all political activities until the epidemic is over.
He said the directives was also a measure to combat the spread of the virus.
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“All activities concerning the local government election in the state should be suspended,’’ Umahi said.
The governor also announced a ban on all commercial motorcycles across the state following compromise by the operators, who aide movement of people in and out of the state despite measures in place to combat the spread of COVID-19.
“I am saddened that our borders are still very porous and there are allegations that people at the border collect bribe.
“The law is clear and there is a special court set up for defaulters and anyone arrested in respect to this will go in for it.
“I warn, there is no option or fine for perpetrators but straight to prison.’’
The governor further directed that the Chief Judge of the state, Anselm Nwaigwe to decongest the correctional centre in the state.
“Let them review inmates with minor offences and those awaiting trials to be recommended for release from the centre.
“But the release is going to be conditional liberty,’’ Umahi said.
