The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF), a socio-cultural group, has mounted pressure on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to reinstate Dr. Solomon Arase to his position as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The group argued that his dismissal violated constitutional provisions, public service rules and principles of natural justice.
The group, in an open letter signed by members, noted the lack of explanation for Arase’s removal and stressed the importance of adhering to legal protocols.
The group pointed out that the PSC, established under section 153 (1) (m) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, mandates a five-year tenure for its chief executives.
Recall that Arase, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, was expected to serve until 2028. BCF further argued that Tinubu might have been misadvised, leading to a bypass of due process as outlined in sections 157 (1) and (2) of the Constitution.
The group cited Section 157 (1) which specifies that a person in Arase’s position can only be removed by the President with a two-thirds majority support from the Senate, based on reasons such as inability to discharge duties or misconduct.
Also, Section 157 (2) extends this requirement to various high offices, including the PSC.
The group cited the Police Service Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2001, which echoes the constitutional provisions regarding the removal of the PSC Chairman.
The BCF stressed that Arase’s dismissal contravene these clear legal frameworks.
“While we concede that the President reserves the prerogative to appoint anyone to executive positions, it is imperative to comply with the constitutional and statutory provisions when removing an appointee,” the group stated.
The group described Arase as an “exceptionally gifted and competent public servant,” while underscoring his unblemished career and dedication to Nigeria.
They described his removal as a “monumental error” and urged the President to rectify the situation, thereby upholding the rule of law and demonstrating good judgement.
