PSC: Arase’s removal unwarranted – PANDEF
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum has condemned the removal of the former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, describing it as “unwarranted, and an unnecessary provocation”, which reflects negatively on the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu had last Tuesday appointed retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hashimu Argungu, as the new Chairman of the Police Service Commission, ending Arase’s tenure.
Arase was appointed in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/tinubu-removes-arase-as-psc-chair-appoints-argungu/%3famp
PANDEF said Arase’s removal portrayed the Tinubu-led administration as one which did not regard competence and integrity but sacrificed merit on the altar of favouritism.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Essien, on Sunday, who asked the President to tell Nigerians what had warranted Arase’s dismissal, noting the reforms the former PSC Chairman had instituted during his tenure.
The statement partly reads “We, hereby, express profound disappointment, and denounce the unjust manner in which Dr. Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General of Police, was relieved of his duties as Chairman of the Police Service Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, 10th June 2024.
“PANDEF views Arase’s removal as unwarranted, and an unnecessary provocation that reflects negatively on Tinubu’s administration, indicating a lack of regard for the nation’s laws that Mr. President swore to uphold and protect.
“This singular act further portrays this administration as one that does not prioritise competence, integrity, and efficiency; sacrificing merit on the altar of favouritism. The pivotal question remains, “What warranted Solomon Arase’s removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?”
PANDEF urged “Tinubu to tell Nigerians, and the world, at large, the reason or reasons for Arase’s removal. We stand against injustice, oppression, and likewise, misconduct.
“The question arises as to why any serious government would dismiss a personality like Solomon Arase, who had initiated positive reforms and improvements at the Commission, and given his meritorious track record as a diligent police officer, who rose through the ranks to become the 18th Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force and retired with dignity.”
Essien stated that the President had contravened the law under Section 3, subsection (1)a of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, subject to the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, which provided for a four-year term for the PSC Chair, noting that past Presidents had appointed former Chairmen for the stipulated four-year
Essien said, “According to Section 3, subsection (1)a of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, subject to the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, a member of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall each hold office for a term of four years and no more.
“It is important to recall that when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, he retained Sir Mike Okiro as Chairman of the Police Service Commission until the end of Okiro’s tenure, appointing Musiliu Smith, also a former IGP, in May 2018 to succeed Okiro. Sir Mike Okiro, the 13th Inspector General of Police from 2007 to 2009, was appointed as Chairman of the Police Service Commission in May 2013 by Buhari’s predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
PANDEF also alleged marginalization of its people by the Tinubu administration, adding that political considerations should not be entertained in appointing a chairman for the PSC.
They cautioned the President against continued disregard for the Constitution as it sent the wrong message to citizens and posed a threat to Nigeria’s stability.
Essien said, “It is pertinent to implore that political considerations mustn’t be entertained in appointments to sensitive institutions such as the Police Service Commission.
“Mr President should likewise note that the continued disregard for the constitution and the rule of law by the government not only mirrors negatively on law enforcement officers, the military, and political leaders but also sends a dangerous message to citizens, posing a threat to Nigeria’s stability.”
