The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has criticized the removal of Solomon Arase as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), calling it “unwarranted” and a negative reflection on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Arase, appointed in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was replaced by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu last Tuesday.
PANDEF’s National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Essien, issued a statement on Sunday expressing disappointment and questioning the justification for Arase’s dismissal.
Essien stated, “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.”
Essien emphasized that Arase had initiated significant reforms at the PSC and had a distinguished career, rising to become the 18th Inspector General of Police.
“What warranted Solomon Arase’s removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?” he asked, urging the President to provide reasons for this decision.
PANDEF also pointed out that Arase’s removal violates Section 3, subsection (1)a of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, which provides for a four-year term for the PSC Chair.
Essien noted, “According to Section 3, subsection (1)a of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, a member of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall each hold office for a term of four years and no more.”
Citing past precedents, Essien mentioned that President Buhari retained Sir Mike Okiro as Chairman of the PSC until the end of his tenure and subsequently appointed Musiliu Smith. PANDEF alleged that Tinubu’s administration was marginalizing its people and cautioned against political considerations in such appointments.
“It is pertinent to implore that political considerations mustn’t be entertained in appointments to sensitive institutions such as the Police Service Commission,” Essien said.
He warned that continued disregard for the constitution and rule of law poses a threat to Nigeria’s stability.
PANDEF calls on President Tinubu to clarify the reasons for Arase’s removal and ensure that future appointments prioritize competence and integrity over favoritism.