RULAAC Mourns Arase, Describes Him As Reform-Minded Police Chief
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden passing of Dr Solomon Arase, former Inspector-General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
RULAAC in a Statement signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, its Executive Director said Arase operated in a system where the police institution was associated with impunity, corruption, and brutality but stood out as a shining example of what policing in a democracy should be.
Arase died on Aug. 31 ar the age of 69, he was a former IGP and former chairman of the Police Service Commission.
The Executive Director said Nigeria had lost one of her finest Police officers who demonstrated through his action that the police could be a force for good noting that Arase’s death was a loss to the police institution, human rights, and to all who believe in reform and accountability
The Rights Group said as an IGP Arase prioritised intelligence-driven policing over brute force, emphasised smarter and evidence-based strategies in crime prevention and control.
“IGP was an exceptional and exemplary cop, a reformer, and a rare breed of officer who made a significant difference.
“He believed that policing should be about service, trust, and legitimacy not intimidation, he demonstrated an uncommon commitment to police accountability and reform.
“His tenure reflected a clear focus on institutional improvements that went beyond personalities and were aimed at laying a foundation for lasting change.
“He understood the critical importance of community partnership, consistently advocating for trust-building between the police and citizens,” it said.
RULAAC said Arase set himself apart through his respect for human rights and proved that a police officer, even at the highest level, could serve with dignity and empathy without sacrificing discipline and professionalism.
It said unlike other former IGPs who perceived rights groups as adversaries, Arase welcomed constructive dialogue and collaboration as a true partner in the quest for a better police force.
“As a civil society organisation working on police reform and accountability, we particularly recalls with admiration how open and receptive Arase was to civil society engagement.
“At a time when recruitment was deeply compromised by corruption, nepotism, and political interference, Arase insisted on a transparent and merit-driven process, he stood firm and restored credibility to recruitment,
“RULAAC commiserates with his family, colleagues, and the entire nation.
“We urge the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to honor his legacy by sustaining and deepening the
reforms and values he stood for.
