Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the weekend, spoke on the removal of former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun, from office.
Obasanjo said he asked Tafa Balogun to tender his resignation letter after former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, threatened to arrest him during a face-off at the presidential villa.
Obasanjo said two independent security reports indicted the former police boss of massive corruption.
He spoke at the 80th birthday dinner organised in his honour by his former appointees under the aegis of “Political Children of Obasanjo” in Lagos.
Obasajo recalled that the first report by the Department of State Service (DSS) revealed that Balogun was looting police funds.
He said he immediately summoned Tafa Balogun to the State House and warned him about the indicting reports of his activities.
Obj, as fondly called, said Balogun denied all allegations and continued to steal money.
The former president added that few months later, another report by the EFCC detailed corrupt activities of the former IG.
“I called him and said, Tafa, why do you have to destroy your name and career even though you will forever enjoy your privilege and salary as a former IGP for life?”
“On a particular day, Balogun was at the villa to see me; Ribadu, was also around and threatened to arrest him over the report.
“I had a hunch that Nuhu may leak the report to the press as he was close to them. I immediately called Balogun to give his letter of resignation. I told him if I don’t get the letter in 30 minutes, I will dismiss you.”
Obasanjo recounted that while he asked the EFCC not to arrest Tafa in the villa, Ribadu told the ex-IG to his face that he would arrest him outside.
Obasanjo, however, expressed his joy seeing the gathering of his former “boys”, and asked those whom he stepped on their toes while working with them speak so that he could apologise.
“I will apologize if it is true, but if not, I will step on it further and even hard.”
In attendance were Akin Osuntokun, Dr. Doyin Okupe, Tonye Cole, Nuhu Ribadu, Uba Sani, Osita Chidoka, former governor of Osun State, Prince Oyinlola Olagunsoye; former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Senator Kola Bajomo, former Head of Service, Malam Yayale Ahmed, among many others.
Speaking, Okupe told the former president: “History is going to be positive on you for what you have done for Nigeria and Africa.”
Ribadu praised Obasanjo and added: “I would not have been what I am today without Baba”.
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