Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the late former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, or PSC, died on Sunday in Abuja following a brief illness, and tributes to him have been coming in droves.
Arase was a thoroughbred professional—Akpabio
Nigeria lost “a gentleman, fine officer, and consummate security expert,” according to a statement released by Senate President Godswill Akpabio through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
He recounted how Arase changed the Nigerian Police during his time as IGP by implementing changes based on discipline and professionalism.
“Dr. Solomon Arase was a thoroughbred professional who dedicated his life to security and policing, and I am deeply saddened by his passing.” Although his passing was unexpected and agonising, Akpabio stated that his influence on the Nigerian Police would live on.
Invoking God to grant his soul eternal rest, he offered the National Assembly’s sympathies to the Arase family, the Inspector-General of Police, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the people of Edo State.
Edo lost a patriotic son—Okpebholo
“A patriotic son of the soil who brought respect and honour to the Nigeria Police,” said Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State.
“We have lost a great mind, a dedicated public servant, and an exceptional leader,” Okpebholo stated in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua. With perseverance and hard effort, Dr. Arase, a man of integrity, reached the highest level of his profession. Reforms and a dedication to community policing were hallmarks of his time as the 18th Inspector-General of Police.
He went on to say that leaders and young police officers across would continue to be inspired by Arase’s legacy.
MAKINDE MORNS ARASE
Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, expressed his condolences for the deceased Arase, calling him “one of Nigeria’s most resourceful police chiefs.”
Recalling his extended relationship with Arase, Makinde said that even after his retirement, Oyo State benefited from his professional insights.
His passing creates a vacuum in the security industry. In addition to being one of the best IGPs still serving, he was also one of the most seasoned retired commanders, and Nigeria would have benefited much from his advice in the years to come, he stated.
POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION MORNS
His passing was deemed “tragic and a great loss” by the Police Service Commission, of which Arase was Chairman until July.
He was described as “a distinguished officer, cerebral leader, and pathfinder whose foresight repositioned the PSC” in a statement released by the Commission.
The Commission said that Arase left a legacy of honesty and change while managing the PSC’s transfer to its appropriate corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Yesterday, a PSC delegation headed by retired Justice Paul Adamu Galumje sent their condolences to Arase’s family in Abuja. Additionally, a condolence register has been launched at the Commission’s headquarters.
Oshiomhole and Idahosa remember his modesty.
Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governor of Edo, called Arase’s passing a “great loss to the state and the country.” He said that the Edo people would continue to take pride in Arase’s legacy as “one of the finest officers to lead the Police.”
Adams Oshiomhole, a senator from Edo North and a former governor of Edo State, recalled Arase as “a fine officer, gentleman, and community leader who never forgot his roots.”
“He was IGP during my second term as governor,” Oshiomhole stated. He was incredibly intelligent, modest, cheerful, and understanding. Edo State has lost a cherished son, and Nigeria has lost a patriot.
A worthy ambassador — Alimikhen
Arase was also praised by former Senate head Whip Francis Alimikhena, who called him “a committed security chief and a worthy ambassador of Afemai land.”
He pointed out that Arase’s support of community policing improved public confidence in law enforcement.
Many people relied on the sense of security that his vision and leadership offered. “His service and dedication will always be remembered and treasured,” Alimikhena stated.
Force Headquarters mourns
Following Arase’s death yesterday, there was a palpable sense of loss at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja.
Senior police officers who had worked under him at different points in their careers were obviously depressed, and several of them had long expressions while performing their tasks in an unusually quiet manner.
Routine activities changed for the majority of them. Others changed their calendars to concentrate primarily on urgent issues, while others refused impromptu visits. One officer muttered, “It is a difficult day for us,” encapsulating the solemn atmosphere that pervaded Force Headquarters.
Stood for Merit
As IGP, Arase established rules that ensured promotions were solely based on merit, which officers recalled as enhancing the integrity of the police institution. He later defied political pressure as PSC Chairman by stating that only eligible applicants who completed recruitment exams should be recruited into the Force.
“He got over a thousand names from politicians and traditional rulers of people who never wrote the exam,” one officer recounted. However, he demanded that those who passed be taken first. He was removed and accused of changing the list before you knew it. However, he represented merit.
Focus on Welfare
Arase was known for tackling welfare issues at the middle echelons of the police force, especially among Assistant and Chief Superintendents. Officers saw that he authorised past-due wage increment arrears that his predecessors had disregarded.
An officer recounted: “Even after arrears were authorised, IGPs before to him refused to pay. However, Arase mandated payment. I utilised that to lay the groundwork for a piece of property I had purchased eight years before. I think of Arase whenever I see my home.
Father Figure
In addition to policy, he was regarded by numerous officers as fair, caring, and personable. He was known for treating all ranks with respect, mentoring younger officers, and supporting them in their professional endeavours.
He never distinguished between the high and the low, according to a Deputy Commissioner of Police. He treated you with the same deference whether you were a Commissioner or a Constable. He lived for the truth, for justice, and for the Force. It is obvious that we are grieving.
