Tinubu's Influence: IGP Egbetokun Reflects on 1998 Encounter
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, said President Bola Tinubu made a significant impact in his life and career.
The IG spoke at the unveiling of a book in his honour titled “Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security” in Abuja.
He said, “I thank the Almighty God by whose grace I’m alive today to receive this incredible honour. My life and career are a testament to God’s infinite mercy. It has been God all the way for me.
“As I’m standing here today, my mouth is filled with testimonies. I would have loved to share some of these testimonies, but today is not Thanksgiving day. I will, therefore, reserve the details for another day.
“I must, however, acknowledge the significant impact of a particular individual on my life and career. I met President Bola Tinubu in 1998, and that meeting produced a positive transformation in my life within 24 hours. That story is also a testimony that I would like to leave for another day.”
As a Deputy Superintendent of Police in 1999, Egbetokun served as the Chief Security Officer to Tinubu, who was the governor of Lagos State at the time.
“As I’m standing here today, my mouth is filled with testimonies. I would have loved to share some of these testimonies, but today is not Thanksgiving day. I will, therefore, reserve the details for another day.
“I must, however, acknowledge the significant impact of a particular individual on my life and career. I met President Bola Tinubu in 1998, and that meeting produced a positive transformation in my life within 24 hours. That story is also a testimony that I would like to leave for another day.”
As a Deputy Superintendent of Police in 1999, Egbetokun served as the Chief Security Officer to Tinubu, who was the governor of Lagos State at the time.
Upon becoming the President in May 2023, Tinubu, in June 2023, appointed Egbetokun as the IG, replacing Usman Baba.
Egbetokun is billed to retire from the police this September at age 60 but the National Assembly recently amended the Police Act to guarantee the stay of the IG till the end of their fixed tenure, irrespective of the civil service retirement age.
The development has sparked insinuations that Tinubu plans to extend Egbetokun’s tenure.
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Speaking about the book, Egbetokun said it would serve as a reference material and a source of inspiration for young officers.
He said, “I can now confidently say that this book is an indispensable result for scholars, policymakers and practitioners in the field of policing, peace and security. The book will not only be a reference material, but it is also going to inspire the new generation of law enforcement officers in Nigeria.”
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the book as a fitting tribute to the IG.
Tinubu added that Egbetokun’s dedication to the principles of justice, peace and security had left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape.
He said, “I stand before you today at this public presentation of a book that embodies both the essence and aspirations of our nation’s internal security efforts. The book ‘Readings in Policing, Peace and Security’ is a fitting tribute to Dr Kayode Egbetokun, our esteemed Inspector General of Police, a man whose dedication to the principles of justice, peace and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape. When I was asked to write the foreword for this remarkable compilation, I accepted without hesitation.
“This was not merely because of the gravity of the subject. Policing, peace and security are at this critical juncture in our national experience, but also because of the extraordinary individuals it honours. Dr. Egbetokun is a paragon of integrity and professionalism, a police officer whose career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to duty and an unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.”
Tinubu said Egbetokun served diligently when he was his Chief Security Officer during his tenure as the Lagos State governor.
He said, “He is a man I have had the privilege to know and work with closely, particularly during my tenure as the Governor of Lagos State, where he served with distinction as my Chief Security Officer.
The Society for Peace Studies and Practice, along with its collaborating institutions, deserves commendation for recognising excellence and celebrating it by bringing together renowned scholars and peace practitioners. Their efforts have resulted in this anthology of original research and reflective articles that delve deeply into the complex dynamics of internal security management.
“This publication is not just timely. It is also a necessary resource that undoubtedly has a lasting impact on the practice of law enforcement in Nigeria. Egbetokun is one of those rare figures who has consistently stood tall and resolute in our nation’s security architecture.”
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