The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, has expressed shock and deep sorrow over the passing of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, who, according to reports, died at the age of 69 in an Abuja hospital on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that Arase, who served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police, was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
He was widely respected for his reforms, commitment to police welfare, and his vision of a more professional and people-friendly police force.
During his tenure as IGP, Arase introduced major initiatives that prioritized the welfare of officers and their families. Even after retirement, he remained an active voice in security matters, particularly in election security and institutional neutrality.
His performance in office and continued contributions to policing informed his subsequent appointment as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a role he held until June 2024.
Reacting to the development, Oshiomhole, through a release by his Chief of Staff Hon Victor Oshioke, described Arase as a fine officer, a gentleman, and a community leader who never forgot his roots.
He said, “During my second term as governor of Edo State, he was also serving as IGP and I had cause to engage with him on a whole lot of issues.”
“He was exceptionally knowledgeable and quite engaging in security matters. He was very humble, jovial and sympathetic. He served with conviction, dexterity, and devotion.”
“Arase was always willing to contribute his quota to the upliftment of society. He never looked down on any role he was called upon to serve, so long as it was in the interest of the people.”
“Nigeria has lost a patriot, and we in Edo State have lost a very respected son of the soil whom we held in high esteem till the end.”
Oshiomhole prayed for the peaceful repose of Arase’s soul and for strength for his family to bear the loss.
