Vice-President Kashim Shettima has decorated the newly-appointed acting Inspector General of Police (I-GP), Kayode Egbetokun, with his new rank.
Shettima performed the decoration on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu had, on Monday, appointed new service chiefs, acting inspector-general of police I-G and acting Comptroller-General of Customs.
The decoration was witnessed by Egbetokun’s wife, Elizabeth, outgone I-GP, Usman Alkali and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF), Sen. George Akume and the newly-appointed National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were also present at the occasion.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the decoration, Alkali said it was a significant event for the Nigeria police.
“It is a stage; you come; you work and you go. I am happy I am handing over to somebody I know that will carry the mantle of leadership from where I have stopped.
“We grew up together in the job; I was his boss; he worked under me twice; we have been working together and I know he can champion the cause of the Nigeria police from where I stopped,’’ he said.
On his part, Egbetokun said he was enthusiastic and ready to handle the new task with dedication.
“Now, I have just been decorated and looking forward to taking over tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11 a.m.
“I really can’t describe how I feel presently; but if have to say anything, I will tell you that right now, I feel like a tiger inside of me, ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria.
“And at another time, I feel like a lion in me, ready to devour all the internal enemies of Nigeria. That’s my feeling right now,’’ he said.