Tributes Pour In As Nigeria Mourns Former Police Boss
The nation continues to mourn the passing of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died after a brief illness, leaving behind a towering legacy in law enforcement, integrity, and national service.
From statehouses to barracks, from political circles to ordinary citizens, tributes have poured in, painting a portrait of a man whose life was defined by discipline, courage, and an uncommon devotion to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Among the most striking tributes came from Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who not only eulogized Arase’s character but also revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he emerged as Inspector General of Police during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
In a moving recollection, Mustapha revealed that Arase’s sterling reputation left no room for debate when the government convened to select a new police chief.
“We were charged with the responsibility of choosing a successor, and the meeting did not last five minutes. Immediately Arase’s name was dropped on the table, we didn’t have a second or third choice. We went to Buhari with one name—Solomon Arase,” the former SGF disclosed.
According to Mustapha, this rare unanimity reflected the depth of confidence and respect Arase commanded within the top hierarchy of government.
A Career Built On Service and Integrity
Born on June 21, 1956, Arase’s policing career spanned decades of service across Nigeria. He rose through the ranks with an unblemished record, serving in strategic departments such as intelligence, operations, and criminal investigations before being appointed the 18th Inspector General of Police in April 2015.
Widely respected for his calm demeanor and intellectual approach to policing, Arase was credited with strengthening intelligence-led policing, advancing community policing strategies, and championing reforms aimed at restoring professionalism to the Force.
Even after retirement, his service continued. In 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the Police Service Commission, a position he held until his passing.
National Mourning, Global Tributes
Across Nigeria and beyond, tributes continue to pour in. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Arase as “a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his nation with courage and dignity.” Former President Muhammadu Buhari praised him as “a professional who restored confidence in the Force at a critical time.”
Civil society groups hailed his commitment to human rights, while rank-and-file officers remembered him as a leader who listened and led by example.
To many Nigerians, Arase was more than a former police boss—he was a reformer, a patriot, and a statesman in uniform. His insistence on integrity, discipline, and service left a standard many believe will be difficult to surpass.
As his colleagues, family, and countrymen prepare for his final journey, one truth stands out: Solomon Arase lived and died as a man whose name needed no second choice.
PIONEER NEWS 