IGP shuffles Police Commissioner for 2023 guber polls in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi

In preparation for the impending off-season governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, scheduled for November 11, 2023, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has officially disclosed the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mohammed Barde.

Addressing the public on Sunday during an episode of Channels Television’s “People’s Townhall on Election Security,” the IGP acknowledged the presence of allegations circulating on social media concerning the Commissioner of Police in Imo State. In light of the forthcoming election, he made it clear that the Commissioner of Police in Imo would be reassigned.

Recent events had stirred significant outrage within Organized Labor, including bodies like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, who accused Barde of involvement in the recent attack on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, just last week.

Concurrently, Organized Labor had issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the replacement of the police commissioner. The blame was also extended to Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is seeking re-election, although the governor had vehemently denied any involvement in the assault on the labor leader.

The IGP took the opportunity to assure the public that law enforcement agencies have addressed all potential threats in these three states. He emphasized the periodic efforts to gather illicit arms, both before, during, and after the elections.

Furthermore, Egbetokun emphasized that the police force is fully prepared to respond effectively to any instances of vote buying and other electoral infractions in line with electoral laws. Perpetrators of vote buying will be prosecuted accordingly. He also assured that policemen’s allowances will be disbursed promptly.

The subsequent statement released by the police force confirmed the redeployment of Commissioner Mohammed Barde. Please refer to the full statement for more details.