The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has paid tribute to former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, describing him as a thoroughbred civil servant.
Arase, who died on Sunday in Abuja at the age of 69 after a brief illness, was remembered for his dedicated service to Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas praised the late police chief for his exceptional performance both as IGP and as chairman of the PSC, noting that his reforms continue to receive wide acknowledgement in condolence messages across the country.
“Dr. Arase’s life and career were defined by discipline, dedication, and professionalism. His service to the nation stands as an inspiration to officers of the Nigeria Police Force and civil servants across the country,” Speaker Abbas said.
He commiserated with the Arase family, the Nigeria Police Force, the PSC, and the people and government of Edo State, praying for God to grant him eternal rest.
In a related development, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, expressed deep sadness over Arase’s passing, describing it as an unfillable void in Nigeria’s law enforcement community.
Former IGP Arase was no doubt a distinguished police chief. As far as I can remember, he was a symbol of unwavering dedication to duty. His passing is very shocking and has indeed left an unfillable void in our nation’s law enforcement community,” Kalu said.
He noted that Arase’s tenure was marked by visionary leadership, innovative reforms, and a steadfast pursuit of justice.
“As a committed law enforcement officer, his tenure was marked by visionary leadership, innovative reforms, and an unrelenting pursuit of justice. He did his best to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of Nigerians,” Kalu added.
The Deputy Speaker further described Arase’s contributions as timeless.
“His contributions to the Nigeria Police Force will forever be etched in our collective memory, and I am sure his legacy will continue to inspire a new generation of police officers,” he said.
Extending condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and associates of the late Police Chief, Kalu prayed for the repose of his soul.
Mr. Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016.
He later served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission until 2024.