The Imo state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, has been redeployed to the Police Force Headquarters Abuja.
His redeployment is coming few hours after a call made by the Labour Party governorship candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, accusing the CP of instituting security bridges in the state.
Achonu on Sunday, while he was attending a church service at St. Stephen’s Anglican church Obibiezena in Owerri-west, was allegedly attacked alongside his security details by suspected operatives of the Imo state police.
He had called on the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, redeploy the Imo CP for the interest of the generality of Imo people, attributing some of the security cases in the state to the CP’s complacent attitude and alleged conspiracy with the government of Imo state.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in a release signed by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the decision was to underscore the police unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining strict neutrality throughout the electoral proceedings.
He said that the redeployment was not an indictment to the Commissioner rather part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering security measures, promoting transparency and upholding the integrity of the electoral security management.
“The IGP’s decision to reshuffle the Imo state Commissioner 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.”
Meanwhile, the new Commissioner of Police, according to the IGP, will assume office in a couple of days.
