The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, has been reassigned to the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
This development follows Senator Athan Achonu’s call for the redeployment of security agents in the state amid allegations that they were favoring Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Senator Achonu, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the upcoming election, claimed that the police shot at his convoy and denied him access to a church service. This incident occurred while he was attending a church service in Owerri North.
In response to these allegations, Achonu urged President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promptly redeploy the Imo police commissioner.
He attributed some of the state’s security challenges to the commissioner’s perceived complacency and alleged collusion with the state government.
The Inspector General of Police, in a statement issued by Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the redeployment was not an indictment of the Commissioner. Instead, it was part of a broader strategy to enhance security measures, promote transparency, and maintain the integrity of electoral security management.
The statement read, “The IGP’s decision to reshuffle the Imo State Commissioner underscores the Police Force’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining strict neutrality throughout the electoral proceedings.
“This redeployment is not an indictment of the affected officer but is 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.”
The new police commissioner is expected to assume office in the coming days.
Before Senator Achonu’s incident, concerns had already been raised by civil society groups and residents of the state, accusing the former Commissioner of Police of unjustly arresting youths on alleged trumped-up charges related to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
| Sahara Reporters
