- Imo CP redeployed
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, read the riot act to perpetrators of electoral violence to steer clear of Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.
The police boss, who gave the warning during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, said the force and other security agencies were fully ready and duty bound to ensure free and fair poll in the state and that troublemakers would be made to face the full weight of the law.
He explained that his visit was in respect of the election and assured that the police was neutral.
While calling on Bayelsans to have confidence in the police, he emphasized that the increased deployment of its personnel in the state was in order to forestall any violence during the poll.
The IGP thanked Governor Douye Diri for his support to the state police command and assured him of adequate security before, during and after the election.
Earlier, on Channels Television, Politics on Sunday, the IGP assured electorates in those states of police neutrality in the elections.
During the live interview, he had also revealed the redeployment of Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mohammed Barde to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The police also disclosed that they were prepared for the elections, and that adequate deployment had been done in all areas.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “We are ready and have prepared well for the elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states. Adequate deployments have been done to all areas, including the protection of Independent National Electoral Commission officials, accredited observers, media, materials and facilities. We have made arrangements for necessary escorts during the elections.
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“The IGP has ordered additional allocation of logistics, equipment and personnel to the states and other states that will support the concerned states. The IGP was in Imo to address stakeholders on Thursday. We are good to go.”
Egbetokun also urged all stakeholders in the three states to embrace peace, uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and be law-abiding in their endeavours before, during and after the elections as the police and other security agencies have been placed on alert to avert any unruly acts capable of disrupting the elections in any of the states.
Explaining the rationale behind the redeployment of Imo CP, Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, said the IGP’s decision to reshuffle the CP underscores the Police Force’s unwavering neutrality.
The Police PRO added that the redeployment was not an indictment on the affected officer but is rather part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering security measures, promoting transparency, and upholding the integrity of the electoral security management.
Adejobi said 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 urged all 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.