How Arase’s appointment will improve policing, by rights groups

NEWLY appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Ehigiator Arase, is very qualified to offer credible leadership to the Force and engender much needed reforms at this point in time, two civil rights groups have affirmed.

Addressing the media in Ikeja, the groups – Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) and the Initiative for Public Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria (IPSSED) Network – said the police and the public were fortunate to have Arase at the helm of affairs now, given the wave of change in the polity.

The IGP, according to NOPRIN’s National Coordinator, Okechukwu Nwanguma, has the requisite experience, having worked with three former holders as Principal Staff Officer.

“Only few serving police officers have this pedigree to avail the Nigeria Police and Nigerians these benefits from his wealth of experience,” he said.

Nwanguma noted that with Arase’s educational and professional qualifications as well as his rich career experience, he is most suitable to drive the much-desired change in the Force, stating, “imagine having a literate Police in Nigeria! This is a unique strength that Nigeria should tap into, because that would make him an example to officers and men of the Nigeria Police.”

To IPSSED’s National Coordinator, Emeka Nwanevu, Arase’s rich career has started yielding fruits, with his network with Interpol helping to solve some crime riddles confronting the nation.

“Some Nigerians sold into sex-slavery are already released due to Arase’s efficient policing and commendable network with the Interpol,” he stated.

The groups said their position is informed by knowledge, as they claim that having worked closely in the Nigerian security space, Arase is the man that can drive community policing as obtained in developed countries. “Arase is a likeable person, very professional in his approach and above all, he is a community-oriented kind of policeman, which makes us believe that we are going to see lots of changes in that regard during his tenure,” they said.

The new police chief was appointed last month in acting capacity to replace Suleiman Abba who was relieved of his duties by President Goodluck Jonathan. He has since been confirmed as the substantive IGP and experts have continued to applaud his appointment, describing it as a good thing to happen to the Nigerian Police and the nation at large.