The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to protect the image of the Nigeria Police and move the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers scheduled to hold in Owerri, the Imo State capital, between October 30 and November, out of the State.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said there is a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to hijack the conference for its advantage ahead of the November 11 Imo Gubernatorial poll.
It cautioned that hosting the Conference in Imo, few days to the gubernatorial poll “is a recipe for crisis, as it is capable of pitching the people of Imo State against security agencies.”
The opposition party noted that there is already tension in the State, and that the choice of Imo for the event is sending wrong signals that the police is allegedly in bed with the APC and Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also a candidate in the Governorship contest.
“Our Party observes that it is inappropriate and against the principle of fairness and neutrality required in a charged election situation as presently existing in Imo State for Governor Uzodimma, the candidate of the APC, to be seen as sponsoring or hosting senior Police officers at this critical period, especially being very close to the election.
“The PDP and indeed the people of Imo State are deeply concerned following boasting by prominent APC leaders to the effect that the hosting of the Police Conference will enhance their alleged plots to compromise the Police to the advantage of the APC during the election,“ the PDP stated.
It further alleged that “APC leaders have on many occasions been seen bragging that they will use security operatives to suppress the people and help the APC subvert and manipulate the electoral process in favour of Governor Uzodimma.
“While the PDP appreciates every effort to enhance security in the Nation and Imo State in particular, the timing and location of the Conference at this period is of grave concern and apprehension to the people of Imo State, political parties and stakeholders in the state.
“Our party confirms that it has been receiving messages of concerns and apprehension from the people of Imo State since the announcement by the Police to host the Conference in the State under Governor Uzodimma.”
The PDP implored Egbetokun to allay the fears of the people by rescheduling the conference to a later date if it must be hosted in Imo State.
“The PDP demands that the Police must protect its image, reaffirm its impartiality and neutrality in the election by moving the Conference to another state or another date after the Imo Governorship election, “it further stated.