Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said his removal from office by Bola Ahmed Tinubu came at the right time, describing the development as part of God’s plan for his life.
Egbetokun made the remark on Saturday in Abuja during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Chapel.
The event also featured the inauguration of a new Police Chaplaincy building and was attended by senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other worshippers.
Speaking during the service, the former police chief said faith guided him throughout his career in the force, including the period he served as Inspector-General of Police.
He recalled that his appointment as IGP came as a surprise and that the first thing he did after entering his office alone was to kneel in prayer.
According to him, he made three requests to God at the time: asking for wisdom to lead the office, grace to complete his assignment well, and that he would not remain in the position longer than God permitted.
Egbetokun said he believes those prayers were answered, expressing hope that God would also grant the requests of others present at the thanksgiving service.
“I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” he said.
“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second for grace to end well, and the third not to stay a day longer than God permits.”
Reflecting on his career, Egbetokun said he had always been mindful that his actions could affect the image of the police force, adding that he remained committed to professionalism, integrity, transparency and fairness throughout his service.