IGP redeploys CP Barde ahead of Imo guber poll

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has redeployed the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Barde.

CP Barde has been under the spotlight since the attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, in Imo State, last week.

Ajaero, who was picked up by heavily armed police officers at the NLC secretariat in Owerri, and taken into custody on Wednesday, had alleged that he was blindfolded, assaulted and even threatened with death by the police.

The organised labour had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if CP Barde is not redeployed from Imo by Wednesday, November 8.

Speaking on the redeployment at Channels Television’s People’s Townhall on Election Security on Sunday, in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun said: “I am aware that there have been allegations on social media against the Commissioner of Police in Imo State but for this election, we are changing the commissioner of police in Imo.”

He added that the CP has not been found guilty of any of the allegations against him, but would be redeployed in a bid to ensure neutrality in the election.

In a subsequent statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed Barde’s redeployment to Force Headquarters.

The statement reads: “In a pivotal development ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Imo state on 11th November, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters on special duty.

“The IGP’s decision to reshuffle the CP 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.”