Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, on Tuesday, explained why his scheduled handover to Kayode Egbetokun did not take place.
Mr Imohimi, who addressed the press at the command headquarters in Abuja in the presence of Mr Egbetokun, said they received a directive from Abuja to suspend the action.
Earlier signals had indicated that Imohimi had been redeployed to Abuja, to resume as the commissioner of police in charge of Explosive Ordinance Unit at the Force Headquarters.
Egbetokun was supposed to replace him in acting capacity.
A somewhat relieved Imohimi told the press “I am sure that you know Mr. Kayode Egbetokun; he is an old timer in the command.
“You all know that our first job is about order and direction; we were about concluding the handing and taking over procedure when we were instructed by our bosses from Abuja to suspend action for now.
“So, there will be no change of guard for now. Of course, we would keep the Press briefed about any development.
“But I am happy, humbled that you find it serious enough for you all to come to witness what we are doing here. I consider it an honour.”
A statement signed by Lagos police spokesman, Chike Oti, also confirmed that the direct to suspend the redeployment came from the inspector-general of police (IGP) who said the status quo should be maintained.
“The CP, who is well known for his discipline and respect for orders, was about handing over to Mr Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday when he received the directive to suspend the ceremony and await further instructions.
“As a command, we thought it necessary to inform the people of Lagos that the CP, Edgal Imohimi, going by this development, remains the head of the police in the state.
“While humbled by the decision, the CP wishes to assure the people of Lagos that their safety and security remains his priority,” Mr Oti’s statement said.
There was, however, a change of guard at the national level on Tuesday as President Muhammadu Buhari decorated Mohammed Adamu as IGP to replace Ibrahim Idris who retired upon attaining the age of 60.