ABUJA—The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has decided to reassign the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mohammed Barde, amidst allegations of bias.
Egbetokun made this announcement during a recent broadcast on Channels Television, addressing the matter of alleged partiality exhibited by the Imo State Commissioner of Police. The Inspector General emphasized that this action does not imply guilt on the part of CP Barde. Instead, the reassignment aims to ensure impartiality during the upcoming elections.
Allocation of 220 Operational Vehicles for Election Security In a related development, the Inspector General of Police has authorized the distribution of 220 operational vehicles to enhance security measures for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the fleet includes water cannons, armored personnel carriers, helmets, bulletproof vests, and tear gas canisters. These resources are essential to support the security efforts for the upcoming elections.
To bolster the morale of police personnel involved in election security operations, Egbetokun had previously arranged training for these officers. He also sought approval from the Federal Government to provide necessary allowances and support for these dedicated officers. Furthermore, Egbetokun urged all stakeholders in the three states to uphold peace during the electoral process.
Tensions Escalate in Imo State Meanwhile, the ongoing verbal dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State regarding recent attacks on NLC’s president, Joe Ajaero, continues to intensify. The labor union has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the governor’s alleged role in the violence in the state.
The NLC has asserted that, only a few days after Uzodimma’s alleged involvement in an attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero, the governor purportedly invaded and assaulted Ajaero’s hometown, Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, the state capital. The motive behind these actions is suspected to be an assassination attempt against Ajaero.
Governor Uzodimma has vehemently denied any involvement in the attacks, and he maintains that the police intervened to prevent further harm to Ajaero. However, the NLC is calling for the removal of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, accusing him of being complicit in the violence.
The NLC also called on the Inspector-General of Police to take immediate action to prevent further abuse and misuse of police powers. They urge the President of Nigeria and all concerned citizens to address the ongoing crisis in Imo State, emphasizing the importance of restoring peace and security to the affected community.”
