Arase: Rift between police, PSC embarrassing — I will contain the conflict

Solomon Arase, chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), says he will end the feud existing between the commission and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The PSC chairman described the rift as embarrassing, saying it is fueled largely by misconceptions and suspicion.

In a statement on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, quoted Arase as saying it is in the interest of the country for the two organisations to work in harmony.

He was said to have given the assurance when he hosted some members of civil society organisations (CSOs).

“My appointment as the chairman of the commission came at a critical time in our national life, when the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force have engaged in seemingly intractable disputations,” he said.

“This rift over roles and powers has regrettably compounded and degenerated into a series of litigations.

“In the raging disconcertment and belligerency, it is the Nigerian people that suffer as neither PSC nor Nigeria Police can function effectively without the support and cooperation of each other.

“I set out with a vision and mission to de-escalate and contain the raging conflict, douse the disquiet and restore peace, understanding and cooperation between the two institutions.”

The PSC chairman said the synergy between the two organisations would also ensure greater results and success in their operations.

Arase, a former inspector-general of police (IGP), was sworn in as the PSC chairman by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 29.