Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the South South Governors’ Forum, Senator Douye Diri, has paid glowing tribute to the late retired Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, describing him as a humble and distinguished officer who served Nigeria with compassion and diligence.
Diri, who spoke on Friday at the funeral mass held in honour of the former IGP at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State, said Arase’s career was a model of dedication, rising through the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force to its pinnacle.
“We have lost a great officer in Arase, who we thought could have been of greater service not only to Edo State but to the South South region and indeed Nigeria after his retirement as IGP. We all grieve, but at the appointed time, no matter the position we occupy, we will all lie in state like our brother, father and friend here today,” the Bayelsa governor said.
Diri described Arase, who served as IGP between 2015 and 2016, as a man remembered for humility, love, and service.
“For me, moments such as these are humbling. We should all be humbled and continue to give service to our country and states to the best of our abilities. We will always be remembered by what we have done,” he added.
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Arase, who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, died in August at the age of 69.
His son, Victor Arase, on behalf of the family, thanked Governor Diri, the Edo State Government and other dignitaries for their support during the family’s moment of grief.
Among those in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Godwin Obaseki; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; and Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.
Also present were serving and retired Commissioners of Police, Deputy Inspectors General, Assistant Inspectors General, senior police officers, and top government functionaries.