The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has decided to reassign the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mohammed Barde, due to allegations of favoritism.
Egbetokun made this announcement during a recent interview on Channels Television.
He stated, “We have received complaints about the Commissioner of Police in Imo. To ensure fairness, we will be replacing him before the elections. This does not mean that the Commissioner of Police is guilty, but we want to maintain neutrality in Imo State.”
220 Operational Vehicles for Enhanced Security
In addition, the Inspector General of Police has authorized the deployment of 220 operational vehicles to enhance security measures for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
The vehicles include water cannons, armored personnel carriers, helmets, bulletproof vests, and tear gas canisters, as stated by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Prior to the elections, Egbetokun had planned training sessions for the officers responsible for election security. He had also requested permission from the Federal Government to provide allowances and other necessary support to boost their morale.
Egbetokun emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the elections and urged all stakeholders in the three states to uphold the rule of law.
The official statement reads, “To ensure smooth and peaceful elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States on 11th November 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has authorized the distribution of an additional 220 operational vehicles, including water cannons, armored personnel carriers, helmets, bulletproof vests, tear gas canisters, etc., to the three affected states. These measures aim to intensify security arrangements for the elections.”
The statement further states, “The IGP had previously organized training for the police officers involved in election security management and sought approval from the Federal Government for their allowances and other necessary support. The Police and other security agencies are on high alert to prevent any disruptive acts during the elections.”
