Arase, the only ‘one’ who survived Buhari’s storm, bows out on his 60th birthday

The last man standing is currently on his way out, but unlike his counterparts who were eased out, encomiums have been pouring in for Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th inspector-general in the history of Nigeria police force.

Upon assumption of office, President Muhammadu Buhari relieved all heads of security agencies of their duties, with the exception of Arase.

Those affected by the shake up were: Alex Badeh, chief of defence staff; Kenneth Minimah, chief of army staff; Usman Jibrin, chief of naval staff; and Alexander Amosu, chief of air staff.

Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, was also shown the way out, while Ita Ekpeyong, director-general of the State Security Service (SSS), was said to have resigned.

Though there were reports that Arase’s position was also threatened, the Edo indigene managed to survive the storm which swept those who stood along with him at the Eagle Square on the day Buhari took the oath of office.

On Monday, Buhari presented Arase with a special gift at a dinner in Aso Rock. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo also received the outgoing police chief at his office on Tuesday.

Arase was appointed on April 21, 2015, following the sack of Solomon Abba by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Though the reason for Abba’s dismissal was not made public, there were reports that he was sacked for identifying with Buhari, the then president-elect.

Born in Sapele, Delta state, on June 21, 1956, Arase, who hails from Oredo local government council of Edo, enlisted in the police in 1981, one year after bagging a degree in political science from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

A lawyer, Arase also has a Bachelor of law degree and masters of law from the University of Benin and University of Lagos respectively.
He attended the Nigerian Law school and was called to the bar in 2000. He also has a master’s degree in strategic studies from the University of Ibadan.