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Presidency retires Tafa Balogun
• Ehindero named acting IGP
By Oguwike Nwachuku, Wisdom Patrick (Lagos) and Chris Agbambu (Abuja)
At last, the Presidency has succumbed to the pressure and mounting criticisms against the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Tafa Balogun, approving his retirement effective March 6,2005 and appointing Deputy Inspector General (DIG),Mr. Sunday Ehindero as the acting IG beginning today, January 18, 2005.
Sources said EFCC stumbled on a cheque of N30m in the name of IG’s aide and decided to draw the attention of the Presidency to it.The Presidency in turn confronted the IG for explanation, but he could not defend the cheque. It was suspected that the cheque was meant for the police. Consequently, the IG was asked to resign.
Balogun, according to a notice of retirement served him from the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Chief Ufot Ekaette is also expected to commence his retirement leave today to pave the way for the new police boss.
The Presidency has already approved Ehindero’s appointment going by a statement signed by Ekaette.
Daily Independent learnt that Balogun was advised recently by the Presidency to resign and he chose to do so through commencing his leave today to pave the way for his retirement come March 6,2005.
In accepting his letter of retirement the Presidency expressed appreciation for the way he served the country and went ahead to name Ehindero as his successor for now.
The acting IG was until his appointment the DIG in charge of ‘A’ Department (Finance and Administration). He has a track record of excellence and has worked in several departments of the police in responsible positions.
A lawyer by profession, Ehindero was once the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), as well as a one time Assistant Inspector –General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone Two ,Onikan , Lagos before his appointment and elevation to the position of DIG.
With the recent development, a gale of retirement may sweep through the topmost hierarchy of the police .
Indications were strong weekend that Balogun, his six DIGs and some serving AIGs were earmarked for retirement any moment from now.
But the force public relations officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Chris Olakpe told Daily Independent that he was not aware of the development. He also said he could not speak further on the matter since he did not have information to that effect.
Also, a source in the office of the IG in Lagos dismissed the information as “highly untrue”, adding that the relationship between the IG and the Presidency is so strong that Balogun’s tenure till 2007 when he would be due for retirement is guaranteed.
However, sources close to the presidency confided in this newspaper that Aso Rock is “satisfied” with the performance of the police under Balogun and was still prepared to effect a change in the leadership of the ploice.
Daily Independent learnt that there was a dossier on the retiring IG compiled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which also allegedly linked his wife and aides to certain deals outside the country.
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