Ahead of November 11 governorship election in Imo state the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Barde, to the Force Headquarters on special duty.
This is as the police boss had earlier, on Sunday, ordered the distribution of additional 220 operational vehicles, including water canons, Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), helmets, bullet proof vests, tear gas canisters, to Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states as part of efforts to intensify security arrangements for governorship elections in the states.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press state, late on Sundag night, noted that: “In a pivotal development ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Imo state on November 11, 2023, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters on special duty.”
Adejobi added that, “The IGP’s decision to reshuffle the CP underscores the Nigeria 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.”
He assured that, “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.”
Meanwhile, Adejobi in a separate statement disclosed that the IGP had organised trainings for the police officers who were involved in the election security management for the forthcoming elections.
He further stated that the police boss had also sought approval of the federal government for the payment of their allowances and other necessary support to boost the morale of the officers during the operations.
“The IGP therefore urges all stakeholders in the three states to embrace peace, uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and be law-abiding in their endeavours before, during and after the elections as the Police and other security agencies have been placed on alert to avert any unruly acts capable of disrupting the elections in any of the states,” the spokesperson added.
