Akpabio, Makinde, Okpebholo, PSC, Others Pay Tribute to Late Ex-IGP Solomon Arase

Tributes have continued to pour in for former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on Sunday in Abuja after a brief illness.

Akpabio: Nigeria Lost a Gentleman and Security Expert
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described Arase as “a gentleman, fine officer, and consummate security expert.”

He praised the late police chief for transforming the Nigerian Police during his tenure as IGP through reforms anchored on professionalism and discipline.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Solomon Arase, a thoroughbred professional who gave his all to policing and security. His death was sudden and painful, but his impact on the Nigerian Police will endure,” Akpabio said.

On behalf of the National Assembly, Akpabio extended condolences to the Arase family, the Inspector-General of Police, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the people of Edo State.

Okpebholo: Edo Lost a Patriotic Son
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, mourned Arase as “a patriotic son of the soil who brought respect and honour to the Nigeria Police.”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said:
“We have lost a great mind, a dedicated public servant, and an exceptional leader. Dr. Arase was a man of integrity who rose to the pinnacle of his career through hard work and dedication. His tenure as the 18th Inspector-General of Police was marked by reforms and a commitment to community policing.”

Okpebholo added that Arase’s legacy would continue to inspire young officers and leaders across Nigeria.

Makinde: Nigeria’s Most Resourceful Police Chief
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also paid tribute, describing Arase as “one of Nigeria’s most resourceful police chiefs.”

Makinde noted his personal ties with the late officer, stating that Oyo State benefitted from Arase’s insights even after his retirement.

“His death leaves a void in the security sector. He was not only one of the finest IGPs in active service but also one of the most experienced retired officers, whose counsel would have remained valuable to Nigeria in the years ahead,” Makinde said.

PSC: A Distinguished Officer and Pathfinder
The Police Service Commission described Arase’s passing as “tragic and a great loss.”

In a statement, the Commission hailed him as “a distinguished officer, cerebral leader, and pathfinder whose foresight repositioned the PSC.”

It recalled that under his leadership, the PSC relocated to its befitting corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, while he upheld integrity and reform.

A PSC delegation, led by retired Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, visited Arase’s family in Abuja to condole with them, while a condolence register has been opened at its headquarters.

Oshiomhole, Idahosa, Alimikhena Recall His Humility and Service
Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa described Arase’s death as a huge loss, calling him “one of the finest officers to lead the Police.”

Former Edo State Governor and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole remembered him as “a fine officer, gentleman, and community leader who never forgot his roots.”

“During my second term as governor, he served as IGP. He was exceptionally knowledgeable, humble, jovial, and sympathetic. Nigeria has lost a patriot and Edo State a respected son,” Oshiomhole said.

Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, described Arase as “a worthy ambassador of Afemai land and a committed security chief.” He praised his embrace of community policing, which, he said, strengthened public trust in the police.

Force Headquarters in Mourning
At the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja, officers mourned visibly, with routine activities subdued. Many recalled Arase’s emphasis on merit-based promotion and welfare reforms.

One officer recounted: “He received over a thousand names from politicians and traditional rulers of people who never wrote the exam. But he insisted those who passed must be taken first. Before you knew it, he was removed and accused of altering the list. But he stood for merit.”

Another officer praised him for settling long-overdue salary arrears: “IGPs before him refused to pay even when arrears had been approved. But Arase ordered it to be paid. That was what I used to begin foundation on a land I bought eight years before then. Anytime I see my house, I remember Arase.”

Senior officers also described him as a father figure who treated all ranks equally. A Deputy Commissioner of Police said:
“He never discriminated between the high and the low. Whether you were a Constable or a Commissioner, he gave you the same respect. He lived for the Force, lived for fairness, and lived for truth. The grief in our hearts is unmistakable.”