January 24, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, as new Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
His appointment was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, dated January 20, 2023 and personally signed by President Buhari.
The nomination, the President said was in accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“I write to forward, for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Solomo Arase, (Rtd. IGP) as Chairman, Police Service Commission. The nominee’s CV is hereby attached.
“It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment in the usual expeditious manner.
“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration”, the letter read.
THEWILL reports that the former chairman of the Commission, former IGP, Musiliu Smith, resigned in September 2022, after which a member of the Commission, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi (rtd), resumed as PSC chairman in acting capacity since September 15, 2022.
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government, Edo state, Arase attended Ahmadu Bello University for his undergraduate studies and graduated with political science degree in 1980.
He was recruited into the Nigerian Police a year after on December 1, 1981. He also obtained another bachelor’s degree in Law from University of Benin, as well as Masters from University of Lagos.
While in Police service, Arase served in various capacities including being Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, as well as serving intelligence gathering unit as Assistant Inspector General.
He was appointed IGP in 2015 by former President, Goodluck Jonathan. Before his appointment as IGP, Arase was head of the topmost intelligence gathering unit of the Nigerian police, the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau.
Arase, a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy and had served in Namibia during the United Nations peacekeeping operation.
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