IGP transfers Imo Police Commissioner following attack on NLC President

Mohammed Barde, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, has been redeployed, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

The IGP stated on Sunday on Channels Television’s People’s Townhall on Election Security, “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.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress, two major organisations in organised labour, expressed their displeasure by charging Olanrewaju with involvement in the recent attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero in the Imo State capital of Owerri last week.

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In addition to blaming Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is up for reelection, for the attack on Ajaero, Organised Labour had given the Federal Government a five-day ultimatum to replace the police commissioner. However, the governor has now stated that he had no involvement in the attack on the labour leader.

In addition, the IGP stated that all threats in the states of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa have been neutralised by the police in advance of the elections on November 11.

He claims that periodic arm sweeps will take place prior to, during, and following the votes.

According to Egbetokun, the police would adhere to the electoral laws and take appropriate action in response to vote buying and other electoral offences. He said that anyone caught purchasing votes will face the proper legal action, and that police officers’ allowances would be paid on time.