By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria has continued to mourn the passing of former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, with tributes pouring in from top security chiefs, government officials, and colleagues who described him as a reformist, patriot, and a rare blend of intellect, discipline, and humanity.
At the Day of Tribute held in his honour, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said Arase’s death was a national tragedy that has left a void not only in the Nigeria Police Force but in the entire country. “He was not just a police officer, he was an institution in himself, a rare blend of intellect, discipline, and humanity,” Egbetokun stated.
Tracing the late IGP’s career, he recalled that from the moment Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981 as a cadet officer, he demonstrated excellence and dedication to duty. He rose quietly but confidently through the ranks, driven not merely by ambition but by a genuine desire to leave the institution better than he met it. “By 2015, destiny entrusted him with the highest office in the Force as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Everywhere he served, he left not just a résumé, but memories, reforms, and he inspired several young officers,” the IGP said.
Egbetokun also shared a personal encounter that left a lasting impression on him. “My first meeting with him was when he was CSP at FCID Alagbon and I was a DSP serving as CSO to the Governor of Lagos State. My first cousin, who was his colleague, introduced us, and from that day, our paths continued to cross until he became the IGP,” he recounted.
Highlighting Arase’s enduring legacies, Egbetokun praised him for planting seeds that continue to shape modern policing in Nigeria. “The technical intelligence unit, the intelligence response team, the complaint response unit all his creation remain the cornerstone of modern policing in Nigeria. The Nigeria Police will miss him, we will all miss him, and the Nigerian people will miss him,” he declared.
Also speaking at the solemn gathering, the deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, in a tribute signed by the Governor Monday Okpebholo, described the late Arase as a “distinguished son of Edo and a patriotic Nigerian whose legacy will remain indelible in the sands of time.” Okpebholo noted that Arase’s career was marked by vision and reform. “He championed intelligence-led policing, fostered community partnerships, and upheld the principles of accountability,” he said.
The governor further emphasized that Arase’s leadership as Inspector-General of Police was defined by innovation and dedication to service. He lauded his tenure as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, where he championed transparent and merit-based recruitment processes in line with global best practices. “Dr. Arase’s death has robbed Edo State and Nigeria of a statesman whose vision, discipline, and patriotism will never be forgotten,” Okpebholo said, while praying for the repose of his soul.
The Police Service Commission, through a tribute delivered by its Director of Human Resource Management, Aminu Malumfashi, on behalf of the Board, described Arase as a patriot and reformer who lived for justice, fairness, and peace. “At the Commission, his tenure was short, but impactful. He moved our headquarters to its permanent home in Jabi, Abuja. He worked tirelessly to stabilize the Commission, strengthen its oversight role, and build bridges of trust between the Police and the public they serve,” the statement read.
The Commission noted that his leadership was inclusive, humble, and with brilliant qualities that endeared him to colleagues and subordinates alike. “As we remember him tonight, we are reminded that true greatness is not measured by the length of days but by the depth of impact. Dr. Arase has left behind a legacy of service, courage, and excellence,” it added.
Condolences were extended to his wife, children, and family, with prayers that God grants them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away recently, was widely celebrated as a scholar, reformist, and visionary leader. His life of service, marked by discipline, intellect, and patriotism, will continue to resonate in Nigeria’s policing and governance for generations to come.
