New IGP Emerges as Solomon Arase Bows Out

The Presidency has finally picked a successor to the outgoing Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, Post-Nigeria has gathered.

However, there are indications that top Politicians are currently lobbying to get their preferred candidate to become the next IGP.

By virtue of his date of birth (June 21, 1956 ), Arase, who is the 18th indigenous IGP, will be 60 years, on Tuesday, June 21, the mandatory age of retirement from service.

Arase, who was appointed on April 21, 2015, would have put in 35 years in the Police by December 1, this year.

According to highly placed sources, President Muhammadu Buhari, is under pressure from about three different interests, who are pushing forward their preferred choices.

While two of the forces are rooting for two Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, the other interest, which is said to be the most powerful, is projecting the candidacy of a serving Commissioner of Police, CP, from the North, who is holding a command position in a strategic State.

This is as there is uncertainty over the fate of seven Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIGs, who constitute the Police Management Team, which has the IGP as head.

Already, those jostling for Arase’s position now spend more time in Abuja, lobbying some powerful forces in and outside the government.

According to a source, who spoke in confidence, the groups mounting pressure on the president are articulating the operational capabilities of their choices.

This, he noted, was because Buhari wants a very competent successor to Arase, who many believe, would have achieved a lot, at the end of his tenure.

“It is true that there are about three interests making separate cases for their preferred choices, who have showed good operational capabilities to lead the NPF.

“Out of the groups, one is pushing for the appointment of a very competent CP, while the other two are making cases for two AIGs.

“But , I think the president knows what he wants, and as an upright, disciplined and firm man, he will get the best,” the source said.

Investigation had revealed that one of the DIGs was being considered, considering the fact that none of the service or security chiefs, come from his zone.

Arase, who is the 18th indigenous IGP from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, was born on June 21, 1956. He got enlisted into the Nigeria Police in December 1981, after bagging a degree in Political Science from the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State, in 1980.

Until his appointment, Arase, was the Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigative Department.

Apart from being a lawyer, Arase, also holds two Masters Degrees in Law, as well as in Strategic Studies, from the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan respectively.