Valedictory Remarks by former IGP Solomon E. Arase, at
the formal handing ceremony held at the Force
Headquarters, today June 22nd. It reads,
It is with a feeling of deep appreciation of the
Almighty God that I address you on this occasion
marking my formal exit from the Nigeria Police
Force and transition of leadership to a new
Inspector General of Police.
2. Ladies and Gentlemen, exactly fourteen months ago,
destiny reposed on me the fortune of being appointed the
18th indigenous Inspector General of Police. Today,
natural sequence of history has not only occasioned the
successful completion of my tenure, but has also beckoned
on Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris to step into the leadership space
as the 19th Indigenous Inspector General of Police.
3. You would recall that during my inaugural address, I
noted that -
The task of blending our acclaimed quality human assets
with quality leadership is the main challenge ahead of us,
but it is one I am convinced we can surmount’.
I also affirmed that – ‘on my part, I can assure you that I
will provide the highest possible level of professional and
responsible leadership, while trusting that you shall march
hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional
colleagues, to advance the fortunes of the Force’.
4. One year, two months away from this assertion and
clarion call, I can proudly note two significant
developments. First is that I feel professionally satisfied
that I enjoyed very high level of diligence, loyalty, sacrifice
and professionalism from all cadres of the Force. This
manifested in the great strides we collectively attained in
our common march towards restoring the lost primacy of
the Nigeria Police and bequeathing a Police Force of
citizens’ expectations to Nigerians.
5. Secondly, I am fulfilled that a widely experienced,
knowledgeable and passionate officer of the calibre of Ag.
IGP Ibrahim Idris has been appointed by the President,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the
Federation to march the Force forward. I am convinced of
the capacity of Ag. IGP Idris to provide the requisite
leadership for the Force at this crucial time in the history of
not just the Nigeria Police Force, but of our nation. In this
regard, I can assure him of my support, even in retirement,
as well as my constant prayers.
6. Let me at this juncture, encourage the Nigeria Police
Family to extend the trademark loyalty, diligence, and
professionalism which I enjoyed from them, to the new
Force leadership. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the only
path to follow in our journey towards enhancing the
fortunes of our beloved Police Force as well as sustaining
our relevance within the national security architecture of
our country. Above all, this is the only path that will guide
us towards achieving the Policing Vision of Mr. President
within the Change Mantra conceptualized by the Federal
Government.
7. In driving this valedictory speech to a close, permit me
to deeply appreciate the support of all personnel of the
Nigeria Police. The journey might have been tortuous, but
looking back, we should all be proud that today, through an
inclusive leadership strategy which I adopted, the Nigeria
Police has acquired very strong intelligence, investigative
and operational capability which can and have of late been
deployed to crack any crime at any location within our
national geographical space. The dignity of an average
Nigeria Police officer has been restored. Public confidence
in our competency has been enlivened.
8. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not that crimes will not
occur. No nation is immune from criminal activities. Today,
however, like other Police Forces across the world, we in
the Nigeria Police can beat our chests and make a clear
and bold statement to criminal elements threatening our
national value that if you commit any crime, we now have
the capacity not only to arrest you, but to bring you to
deserved justice in the most prompt, professional, and rule
of law-compliant manner. This is the profile of the Nigeria
Police Force you, my colleagues and all Nigerians have
aided me to bequeath to our beloved nation. This is a
legacy I can assure the nation that Ag. IGP Idris will not
only sustain, but will advance.
9. I, therefore, wish to heartily congratulate Ag. IGP
Ibrahim Idris for his well deserved appointment and to pray
for God’s wisdom as he settles into his schedules. I also
wish to immensely appreciate Mr. president for the trust
reposed in me and the firm support extended to me, even at
most difficult times in my leadership.
10. Indeed, the unique Presidential support acted as the
motivation that drove me through my tenure as Inspector-
General of Police. I can assure Mr. President, that I shall
remain eternally grateful and will sustain my commitment
to his vision and values even in retirement.
11. To members of the Press, my friends, and indeed all
Nigerians, as I bow out, I must put on record my deep
appreciation of your constructive criticisms, pieces of
informed advice, encouragement and unalloyed support for
me. I call on you to extend similar favour to my successor
even as I assure you all that the network we have built over
the years will remain valued and sustained as I walk into
retirement life.
12. I thank you all and pray for God’s spiritual protection
over Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris and our beloved country.
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