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Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission* By Cletus Agada

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Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission* By Cletus Agada

*Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission*

By Cletus Agada

 

 

 

The intelligence czar and former Inspector General of Police who brought so much innovation and creativity into policing while he held sway as the nation’s number one Cop has brought his signature of excellence to the administration of the Police Service Commission. Solomon Arase has dedicated his entire career to the advancement of social justice, safety, security and well-being of others as he joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981, a year after he graduated from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His adult life has been lived in service to fatherland and humanity.

 

 

 

 

Like a man who saw tomorrow, Mr Arase spent every of his free and not-so-free time developing himself, acquiring knowledge and skills that would eventually distinguish him from his peers. While combining work with studies, Mr Arase obtained a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s Degree from the University of Lagos. He, by every standard, is a role model for young men and women who desire a successful career in public service.

 

Solomon Arase: Getting It Right At The Police Service Commission*
By Cletus Agada

 

 

Slow but steady, his promotions came and everywhere he found himself, he was always a square peg in a square hole due to his over-preparedness. As Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, he was a super cop remembered for his work ethic, commitment to the welfare of his personnel and crime-bursting intelligence skills. His talent was never hidden. He also served as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to Mr Sunday Ehindero and two others when they occupied the office of the IGP between 2002 and 2008.

 

 

 

It is indeed a record to serve three different IGPs as PSO and Mr Arase achieved this feat without blemish. This probably was the best preparations he got for the office which he later occupied at the pinnacle of his career when he became the 18th indigenous Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force. He had the opportunity to learn from the successes and mistakes of those before him and also had the time to think of what needed to be done to have a better force if given the opportunity.

 

 

 

No wonder, he ringed several positive changes as IGP and greatly improved the image of the Force, most especially in the area of respect for human rights and obedience to the rule of law, two key indicators that the Force had performed below average before his time. He established the IGP Intelligence Response Team (IGP – IRT) that burst several crimes in the country, most notably, the arrest of the notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans.

 

 

 

 

To address the issue of indiscipline and misconduct among men and officers of the Force, he also established the IGP Complaint Response Unit (IGP – CRU). It brought sanity to the force and reduced rights abuse and police brutality to its barest minimum as officers knew the consequences of any of their actions that went contrary to the rules of engagement.

 

 

 

On June 21, 2016, even though not tired, Mr Arase retired from Service after 35 years of meritorious and eventful service by Public Service rules. Like a South American professional football player who would go back to his country to end his career and impact on the younger generation after many years of professional football in Europe, Mr Arase went straight to his home State of Edo to assist the government. He was appointed to chair a task force responsible for the implementation of a State Anti-Community Development Association Law. This is the height of humility as the man who once controlled all the security apparatus of the nation’s Police Force could bend backwards just to give back to his community. He was also consulting for the European Centre for Election Support, and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo and dedicated more time to his work with the Committee on Prevention of Torture, Geneva Switzerland which is currently developing a universal protocol on Investigative Techniques.

 

 

 

 

The golden fish has no hiding place in the river, so they say and on January 24, 2023, former President Mohammadu Buhari recalled Mr Arase from his retirement from public service and appointed him the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
The Commission was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2001 and is saddled with oversight responsibilities and has the power to appoint dismiss, promote and discipline officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

 

 

 

 

A trusted, stable and reliable hand, the appointment of Mr Arase elicited joy in many quarters, most especially among stakeholders in the security sector. His first task in office was to create a harmonious working relationship between the commission and the Police Force. A dispute had broken out between his predecessor and the then IGP over some irreconcilable differences. He promised to build a new police force that’s attractive to the younger generation and wasted no time in putting his hands on the plough.

 

 

 

 

He identified the recruitment process as one of the biggest problems confronting the Force and moved immediately to change the narrative. He engaged the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB to conduct Computer Based Test, CBT for applicants to test their abilities. Mr Arase said the police need “personnel with mental mobility and fertile minds to excel and have a good working relationship with the public”. He said the nation must strive to build a police force that’s technology-driven and knowledge-based as that’s the only way to confront the security challenges facing the country. He insists that under his watch, admission into the Police Academy (POLAC/University) Wudil will be strictly by merit and that slots would not be shared by State Governors and other politicians.

 

 

 

 

A well-exposed former police officer who served on an international Peace-keeping assignment as part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Mission in Namibia and a member of the International Bar Association, Mr Arase is conversant with international best practices as regards modern policing and has shown his readiness and commitment to domesticating those practices here at home.

 

 

 

 

He has promised that as long as he remains chairman of the commission, no single personnel, whether junior or senior who has no disciplinary issues would be allowed to stagnate in a rank. This sounds like great news for me those who have remained on the same rank for almost ten years. With the steps taken so far within a short period, most especially his commitment to the welfare of officers and men of the Force, and the elimination of corruption which has continued to ridicule the relentless efforts of our gallant officers, a new hope is rising and the morale of the personnel is high.

The task of building a civilian-friendly police force that can be trusted by the populace on issues of internal security rests squarely on the shoulders of Mr Arase and his men at the Police Service Commission and with the steps taken so far, Nigerians should expect a 21st century Police Force that enjoys the trust and confidence of all in the not too distant future.

Agada is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration.

 

Prophet Israel Genesis, a prominent televangelist, honors Kemi King, a woman of exceptional beauty and substance, on her birthday

I would also like to extend my admiration for her as an active and illustrious daughter of mine, an exceptional individual whose influence will forever be treasured in my life, exceeding the worth of diamonds, gold, and oil wells. I am deeply indebted to her for her unwavering commitment to supporting countless people around the world and myself

Your birthday provides an outstanding opportunity to acknowledge God’s kindness in your life and honor the wonderful gift that you are to many of us

Kemi Kemo the King, whom I fondly address as such, you embody a unique blend of sisterly love and angelic compassion, making you a precious gift to humanity, and as we celebrate your birthday, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication to your family and community

On this wonderful day, at the same time, a dedicated black and shining pretty woman was born, she remains a trailblazer, an humble and spiritually nourished, a woman who can handle matters with wisdom, a woman who can let go even when provoked, a woman with quoted and unquoted vibes

As you mark another year of existence, I rejoice with you and express my heartfelt wishes for a bright and prosperous future. May the divine blessings of good health, happiness, and smooth realization of your aspirations be bestowed upon you, and may your labor yield rich dividends without obstacles

Please accept my heartfelt birthday greetings, my charming angel. I wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. And many happy returns of the day

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

 

The family of a Nigerian businessman, Olatunji Abdul, imprisoned in South Africa, has called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.

The family, at a press conference on Thursday at Ikeja, alleged that Olatunji, a businessman and humanitarian, who has been held in a South African prison since 2019, is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents and xenophobic business rivals and that he is facing imminent danger.

PUNCH Metro gathered that through a petition submitted by the founder of Zarephath Aid, Ben Abraham, an international criminal justice organisation, the family narrated the ordeal of the Osun State-born entrepreneur.

 

Abdul, who relocated to South Africa in 2009, established himself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to the family, as the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he provided employment opportunities for Nigerians and supported businesses, students, and tourists in the diaspora.

However, his family believes his success made him a target for xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials.

 

Olatunji’s brother, Sesan, revealed that in 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures.

Sesan claimed that this led to his wrongful arrest, denial of bail, and coercion into providing false confessions.

“In 2020, Olatunji was convicted on charges of theft and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence his supporters insist was based on fabricated evidence.’

“Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted.

 

“Several lawyers have reportedly withdrawn from his case due to threats and intimidation, leaving him to represent himself in court,” he said.

His family further stated that his situation is worsening, with fears of poisoning in prison and the confiscation of his laptop, which he needed for legal preparation.

The family, along with Zarephath Aid, appealed to the FG to act swiftly to prevent Olatunji’s death.

 

“If nothing is done, we risk losing a man who has brought pride to Nigeria and significantly contributed to the Nigerian diaspora.”

The petition reads. “Abdul is not a criminal; he is a victim of a malicious plot to destroy him.”

Olatunji’s physical and emotional health has reportedly deteriorated.

His family added that without intervention, his life remains in grave danger.

“This is not just about Abdul,” said Ben Abraham of Zarephath Aid. “It is about protecting Nigerians abroad who face unjust persecution despite their positive contributions.

 

“Abdul is an example of what Nigerians can achieve, and he deserves the protection of his country,” he said.

“Abdul is not just a businessman; he is a father, a son, and a role model for Nigerians in the diaspora. Nigeria must act now to bring him home,” the family stated.

 

 

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