Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reshuffled the leadership of the Police Service Commission (PSC), marking a significant change within this entity. Solomon Arase, the then chairperson of the commission, has been removed from his position. He has been replaced by Hashimu Argungu, a retired deputy inspector general of police. This announcement was made by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Monday.
In addition to this significant appointment, President Tinubu also approved the designation of Onyemuche Nnamani as the secretary of the commission and Taiwo Lakanu, also a retired deputy inspector general of police, as a member of the commission. These appointments are pending confirmation by the Senate, underscoring the customary procedural process in such reorganizations.
The presidency did not specify the reasons for Mr. Arase’s removal. However, this change comes shortly after the publication of an investigative report by ICIR in February, revealing Mr. Arase’s alleged involvement in the illegal sale of police-owned lands, orchestrated by Corpren International Limited. These acts were reportedly committed under the guise of developing a police residential estate. The report also mentions that Mr. Arase facilitated the acquisition of nearly one billion Nairas by Corpren International from the Police Mortgage Bank, without any collateral requirement.
In response to the ICIR investigation, Solomon Arase and Andy Chime, owner of Corpren International Limited, filed lawsuits against the newspaper and the journalist who wrote the report. They also submitted a petition to the Nigerian Police Force Cybercrime Centre, accusing the journalists of cyberstalking and defamation. These accusations have led to a series of intimidations against the media professionals involved.
The new leadership of the PSC and the trust President Tinubie places in its members highlight the emphasis on integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in managing national police affairs, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and efficiency of this institution amid security challenges and administrative reforms.
The ongoing restructuring of the PSC is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate and strengthen security institutions, which are crucial for the stability and development of Nigeria.
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