Ahead of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Imo State, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated this in a statement on Sunday.
According to Egbetokun, the IGP’s decision to redeploy the CP underscored the police dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining strict neutrality throughout the electoral proceedings.
Adejobi said, “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 IG 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.”
Recall that President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, was attacked and brutalised in Owerri, on Wednesday, while mobilising workers for a protest over their alleged unpaid salaries.
Following the attack, the organised labour had issued a five-day ultimatum for Barde’s redeployment.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party had also expressed its support for calls made for the immediate redeployment of the CP and other officials allegedly involved in the recent attack on Ajaero in the state.
