The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed disappointment and denounced the removal of Dr. Solomon Arase as the chairman of the Police Service Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Explainer reports Dr. Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General of Police, was relieved of his duties as chairman of the Police Service Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, 10th June 2024.
PANDEF’s National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, in a statement on Sunday, described Arase’s sacking as “an act of injustice” and “unwarranted,” further accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking “regard for the nation’s laws.”
“PANDEF views Arase’s removal as unwarranted and an unnecessary provocation that reflects negatively on Tinubu’s administration, indicating a lack of regard for the nation’s laws that Mr. President swore to uphold and protect,” the statement read.
PANDEF questioned the decision to dismiss a personality like Solomon Arase, who had initiated positive reforms and improvements at the commission, and had a meritorious track record as a diligent police officer who rose through the ranks to become the 18th Inspector General of Police.
“The question arises as to why any serious government would dismiss a personality like Solomon Arase, who had initiated positive reforms and improvements at the commission, and given his meritorious track record as a diligent police officer, who rose through the ranks to become the 18th Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force, and retired with dignity,” the statement questioned.
The group argued that Arase’s removal violates the provisions of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, which stipulates the conditions for removing a member of the commission.
“PANDEF argued that Section 3, subsection (1)a of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, subject to the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, states that a member of the commission, other than ex-officio members, shall each hold office for a term of four years and no more,” the statement noted.
PANDEF called on Tinubu to provide reasons for Arase’s removal, stating that they stand against injustice, oppression, and misconduct.
“The pivotal question remains, what warranted Solomon Arase’s removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? We stand against injustice, oppression, and likewise, misconduct,” PANDEF declared.
The removal of the former Inspector General of Police from his position as the chairman of the Police Service Commission has sparked controversy, with PANDEF demanding transparency and adherence to the legal provisions governing the commission.
