* I saw news of my appointment as police chief on TV – Egbetokun
The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has narrated how joining the police gave him the opportunity to marry the best woman in the world.
Egbetokun says that it is the grace of God, which is keeping him alive till date, that has made him competent for the position which President Bola Tinubu appointed him to.
The IGP spoke on Sunday at a thanksgiving on his appointment as the IGP which held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption Pavilion, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Egbetokun said, “I could recall the day I decided to join the Police Force. My close friend said he would not be my friend again because I joined the police.
“But God proved something. While
in training in the Police Academy, I wrote letters to this my friend, he didn’t respond.
“As I passed out from the Police Academy on October 12, 1991 and I returned to Lagos on October 15, the first thing I did was to go and release him from police detention.
Since then, he remains my good friend till today.
“I also had a girlfriend that I was hoping to get married to. She
decided to leave me because I joined the police.
“In her thinking, people curse policemen and she would not want to be part of a police family and was set to go. So, I let her go. But I thank God that she left because that gave me the opportunity to marry the best woman in the world.
“I also recall that in my early days as a young officer, I had several encounters with armed, dangerous criminals.
“In particular, I recall the incident of November 4, 1992 when I had to engage in a shootout with armed robbers. It was just the grace of God that I wasn’t killed that day.
“Several other events have taken place in the course of my career – some very challenging, some very interesting. I remember twice, I was denied to be Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. But today, I thank God.”
Egbetokun, who said he was viewing television in a friend’s house when he saw the news of his appointment as acting IGP by President Tinubu, as breaking news, dismissed insinuations that he was appointment based on closeness to the president.
He said that the appointment was another testimony to the greatness of God, saying, “For those of us who know the President and Commander-in-Chief, we know that he doesn’t make his appointments based on sentiment or personal relationships. He looks out for the best to put in sensitive positions.
“When I was appointed and the announcement was made, I was in the house of a friend watching television. I saw the breaking news.
“It can only be God. I know that this appointment is not because I am the most qualified or because I have a relationship with Mr. President.”
Egbetokun expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for finding him worthy for appointment.
He also appreciated Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was in attendance and all well-wishers for their continuous support as he affirmed his unwavering commitment to making Nigeria safer for everyone.
Governor Abiodun showered encomiums on the IGP, praising “his dedication, professionalism and commitment to transforming the Nigeria Police Force and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens”.
The cleric in charge of the parish, Pastor Bisi Olowoyo, lauded the IGP for his “heart of thanksgiving” and prayed for his success as the new Inspector-General of Police in Nigeria.
In attendance included the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Research and Planning, DIG Frank Mba; Assistant Inspector General Zone 2, Ali Mohammed; Lagos State Commissioner of Police Idowu Owohunwa; his Ogun State counterpart, Abiodun Alamutu and others.
