The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has taken a significant step in response to mounting pressure from various quarters.
The focal point of this decision is the redeployment of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a prominent workers’ union in Nigeria, played a pivotal role in mounting pressure on the IGP to redeploy Commissioner Barde.
The catalyst for this pressure was an incident involving NLC President Joe Ajaero during his visit to Imo. Ajaero’s assault raised concerns and led to calls for action.
In an exclusive interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, IGP Egbetokun addressed the allegations against Barde.
He acknowledged the concerns and emphasized that the redeployment decision was not an implicit admission of guilt.
Instead, it was motivated by the need for impartiality in the forthcoming election.
The IGP’s decision to redeploy Commissioner Barde underscores the importance of neutrality in the democratic process.
It is vital to ensure that the election in Imo State proceeds without bias and interference. This decision serves to maintain the integrity of the electoral system.
Apart from the Imo State situation, the police have taken substantial measures to prepare for the upcoming elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa.
Threat assessments have been conducted, and comprehensive deployment plans are in place.
With 2,224 polling units to cover in Bayelsa, the police have allocated sufficient resources and manpower to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.
