Imo State’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, has been redeployed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, days ahead of the November 11 off-season governorship polls in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.
The IGP Kayode Egbetokun said on Sunday on Channels Television’s People’s Townhall on Election Security that “I am aware that there have been allegations on social media against the Commissioner of Police in Imo State but for this election, we are changing the commissioner of police in Imo.”
Recall that there had been public outrage by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress accusing Barde of complicity in the recent attack on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, last week.
All Nigeria Latest News had reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had also handed the Federal Government a five-day ultimatum to replace the police commissioner, while also blaming Governor Hope Uzodimma who is seeking re-election of the attack on Ajaero though the governor had since said he had no hand in the attack on the labour leader.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun also said the police have taken care of all the threats in the three states.
According to Inspector General of Police, mopping up of arms will be periodical, before, during and after the polls.
The IGP said the police will respond appropriately to vote buying and all electoral offences with respect to the provisions of the electoral laws. Anybody found engaging in vote buying will be prosecuted appropriately, he said, adding that the allowances of policemen will be paid as and when due.
The Force statement later issued a statement saying that Barde has been redeployed.
Read full statement:
GUBER ELECTION: IGP REDEPLOYS CP IMO.
Reaffirms Neutrality
In a pivotal development ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Imo state on 11th November, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters on special duty.
The IGP’s decision to reshuffle the CP underscores the Police Force’s unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining strict neutrality throughout the electoral proceedings. This redeployment is not an indictment on the affected officer but is rather part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering security measures, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of the electoral security management.
The IGP is resolute in ensuring that a secure environment is provided for all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, and citizens to participate in the electoral process. He urges all and sundry to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies and adhere to the law in order to ensure a smooth and successful election while maintaining the principles of democracy.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, FCAI,
Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters,
Abuja