IGP Agrees to Redeploy Imo CP Amid Mounting Pressure Ahead of Governorship Election

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has yielded to mounting pressure by consenting to the redeployment of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, just ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had intensively pressed for the redeployment of Barde after their President, Joe Ajaero, was assaulted in Imo. The incident had garnered substantial attention and led to demands for accountability.

In an interview on Channels TV’s “Politics Today,” IGP Egbetokun acknowledged the allegations against Barde but clarified that this move should not be perceived as a declaration of guilt on the commissioner’s part. He emphasized that the decision to redeploy Barde was primarily motivated by the need for impartiality and neutrality in the upcoming elections.

“We are aware that there are allegations against the Commissioner of Police in Imo. Before the elections, we’re changing the CP. This is not to say the CP has been found guilty, but for neutrality’s sake, we are changing the Commissioner of Police in Imo State,” stated the IGP.

IGP Egbetokun also assured the public that the police force was well-prepared for the upcoming elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States. He highlighted the meticulous planning and deployment of resources to ensure the safety and security of these elections.

“We are ready for this election; we have been able to deploy adequately for this election. In Bayelsa, we will be covering 2,224 polling units, and we have enough men and resources to cover those polling units,” he confidently declared.

Moreover, he stressed that the police had conducted comprehensive threat assessments and strategic deployments in both Imo and Kogi, assuring that the elections are expected to proceed without major disruptions.

“I want to assure you that the police and other security agencies are ready for this election, and we are sure it is going to be hitch-free,” he concluded, instilling confidence in the security measures in place for the upcoming elections.