Edo Government Lauds IG Over Security Measures

IT was accolades for Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, yesterday as the Edo State government lauded the improved security with the presence of more patrol vehicles on major highways across the country.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the people of the state were “very proud that one of us, simply on the basis of merit, has been picked as the IGP.”

Oshiomhole added: “I want us to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari, because he appreciates merit and that is why we are here to celebrate our brother and he is also laying a foundation for the building of institution, so that if you are good, you remain in office on the basis of merit.

“Other service chiefs have been removed and our own has remained. This is the time to recognise merit and efficiency.

“The Nigerian Police is the most misunderstood institution, but I believe that with the present administration, we believe that the Police will be better with better training, motivation, remuneration and equipment.

“Now that the IGP has the determination to reposition the Nigerian Police, I urge all us to support the Nigerian Police, even as the executive will make more resources for the Force.”

He said the state government would support the Police with N200 million to renovate the Ogida Barracks

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Julius Ihonvbere, said Arase was a good example of an intellectual heading the police force.

Dignitaries at the event included the state Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu; Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia; Senator Domingo Obende; Benin Palace chiefs, led by Prince Edun Akenzua; former chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), Parry Osayande; and personnel of various security agencies.

In his toast, the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, commended the IGP, even as he lauded Buhari’s anti-corruption posture.

Osayande said he first met Arase as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), when he displayed the charisma of a leader, adding that his appointment was based on merit.

Chairman of PSC and a former IGP, Mike Okiro, called for support for Arase and described him as a sound police officer and an erudite scholar, who has brought professionalism to the Police.