Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has described late Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, as one of the finest and brightest police officers who served with distinction.

Boss told newsmen after signing the condolence register that the late police boss “left his footprints in the affairs of the nation”. Arase died on Sunday after a brief illness at 69.

He recalled that when the late President Muhammadu Buhari asked for a nomination for the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the name of Arase came up, there was no need to look for a second name for recommendation.

“All of us were convinced that that is the best man for the job, well-suited, well-trained. And he knew the nuances of the police force.

“Like I said, he’s one of our finest,” he said, saying that his death “is a very big loss to the country, to the police family and the people of Edo, and his immediate family.”

Mustapha prayed to God to grant the late IG’s soul peace and the family comfort that exceeds all human understanding, a kind of comfort that can only come from God. He urged the family to carry on Arase’s legacy.

Mustapha wrote in the condolence register: “My brother and friend, you were one of our best and brightest. You left so quickly without notice. However, you ran a good race. Rest in the bosom of the Lord. Adieu, IGP.”

Also, the Oba of Benin, Oba Eware, condoled the late IGP’s family through a delegation of two palace chiefs.
Speaking on behalf of the Oba, one of the chiefs, the Obasogie of Benin, said Arase lived a wonderful life as a courageous and transparent man, who his people loved.

“That’s why you see that the Palace of the Oba of Benin has sent the two of us to come and pay condolences to the family at this time of mourning.

“He was a great son of the soil and also a son of the Edo people. And we pray that God Almighty, in line with our ancestors, will continue to grant the family peace and unity,” he said.

So far, more than 120 people, including serving and former governors, top government officials, IGP Kayode Egbetoku, retired IGPs, and other prominent Nigerians, have signed the condolence register.