Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who passed away on Sunday in Abuja after a brief illness.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described Arase as a “thoroughbred professional and consummate security expert.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio recalled Arase’s efforts at transforming the Nigeria Police Force during his tenure as IGP through reforms anchored on professionalism and discipline.
He extended the condolences of the National Assembly to the Arase family, the Inspector-General of Police, and the government and people of Edo State.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State also expressed grief, calling the late police chief “a patriotic son of the soil who brought respect and honour to the Nigeria Police.”
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor noted that Arase’s legacy of integrity and commitment to community policing would remain an inspiration to young officers and future leaders.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described Arase as “one of Nigeria’s most resourceful police chiefs.”
He recalled that Oyo State benefited from Arase’s professional insights even after his retirement, adding that his death had created a void in Nigeria’s security sector.
The Police Service Commission, where Arase last served as Chairman until July, described his passing as “tragic and a great loss.”
In a statement, the PSC lauded his foresight in repositioning the Commission and overseeing the relocation of its headquarters to Jabi, Abuja.
A delegation led by retired Justice Paul Adamu Galumje has since visited his family, while a condolence register has been opened at the PSC headquarters.
Edo Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole also joined in paying tributes.
Idahosa said Arase’s legacy as one of the finest officers to lead the police would remain a source of pride to Edo people, while Oshiomhole remembered him as “a fine officer, gentleman and community leader who never forgot his roots.”
Similarly, former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, hailed Arase as “a worthy ambassador of Afemai land and a committed security chief” whose embrace of community policing strengthened trust between citizens and the police
The passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase was described as a great loss to Nigeria and the Benin nation in particular. In a tribute signed by AVM (Rtd) Akugbe Iyamu. According to Iyamu, Dr. Arase was a strategic and purposeful leader whose life of service and commitment touched many across cultures.
He added that as the President of the Benin Consultative Forum, he was celebrated for his ethical leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to inspire progressive change. He was also described as a man of vision, resilience, and quiet strength. In his words, “Dr. Arase built bridges of unity and left behind a legacy that will continue to be referenced both locally and internationally. “
His sudden departure, Iyamu noted, reminds us of life’s fragility but also of the need to serve humanity with dedication and purpose.
At the Force Headquarters in Abuja, a heavy atmosphere of grief hung over the premises as senior officers and rank-and-file who had served under him reflected on his impact.
Some recalled how he stood firmly for merit in recruitment processes, rejecting political interference, while others noted his efforts to address longstanding welfare issues, including the payment of arrears that had been ignored by previous administrations.
Beyond reforms and policies, Arase was remembered as a father figure who treated officers across all ranks with fairness and respect. “He lived for the Force, lived for fairness, and lived for truth,” one senior officer said.
Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police before his appointment as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
He is remembered as a man of discipline, compassion, and integrity whose contributions left a lasting mark on the Nigeria Police Force and the nation’s security architecture.