SABONGIDDA – ORA – Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has extolled the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase as “not just a man of history” but as a personality with “a very unique ability” which has culminated in his emergence as the current IGP even when “there are many people who could become the I-G by political connection.”
Governor Oshiomhole gave this attestation when Ora Ekpen Association (ODA) organized a well-attended reception to celebrate Solomon Arase as one of their own at Sabonggida-Ora, administrative headquarters of Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State on Saturday.
As the first Edo State indigene to attain such position, the Governor said “I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the way you have sought to manage your office and deal with the challenges of the police force without being partisan. This is a difficult position to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with courage, determination and intellect to your job no matter whose ox is gored.”
“It is a thing of pride to our people that coming from a minority, he has risen to become the I-G of Police. But we also recognize that he is coming to office at a very challenging time. This is the time we need such people with security of mind and competence to drive the changes which President Buhari has promised the people by ensuring that the police play their part of providing security to the people,” he asserted.
To canvass support for Solomon Arase, Governor Oshiomhole opined thus, “I think at this time, the I-G would need all the prayers, support and encouragement particularly of Edo people. Let it not be said that the task of policing was made more difficult by the people of the state and he is serving under a president who will not tolerate indiscipline. He is an I-G to drive changes in the psyche and governance of our great nation,” even as he hinted Edo State will also honour Solomon Arase at the state level.
In his remarks, the former Governor of Edo State, Sen. (Prof) Oserheimen Osunbor noted that “President Muhammadu Buhari has considered you to be fit to continue in office” and that “success he recorded in peace and security in Edo as governor is attributable to Arase and he has curtailed cultism and crime in Edo State.”
Also, the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe described Solomon Arase as a “perfect gentleman since he has being in the force and has not known any scandal,” stressing that “long have we yearned for him. He is a true professional.”
The Iyasere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, paternal uncle to Solomon Arase, Prof. Ehimika Ifidon IGP’s maternal uncle who was the Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Moses Ihonde, Chief J.S. Arogundade, Sen. Roland Owie, the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the recent general election, Dakuku Peterside and Prof. S.I. Ahonkhai all joined in unfolding their scroll of extolling the sterling qualities of Mr. Solomon Arase.
Responding, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, who was the celebrant and guest of honour said “it is in acknowledgement of my past and deep appreciation of the mercy of the Almighty God, the Sole Perfector of our lives that I, therefore, feel most elated to receive the honour being bestowed on me by you my friends, school mates, family and the entire Sabongidda Ora Community today.”
The IGP further said, “I must start by specially appreciating our dear Comrade Governor, His Excellency, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who has been consistent in his support for me all through my professional career and who in demonstration of his love for me has again honoured me with his presence at this event. Our dear Comrade Governor, may God continue to enrich your coast and grant you wisdom as you lead our State to the path of unprecedented development.”
For the royal honour and blessing received, Mr. Solomon Arase who was flanked by his wife, Agharese submitted, “I also remain especially grateful to our most respected Royal Father, the Ojie of Ora and Clan Head, HRH, M.E.P. Imonah (JP), Arah Odion Urukpa Ohain 1 who shocked me this morning (Saturday morning) by bestowing on me and my wife the chieftaincy title of the Ojeagbase of Ora Kingdom. I shall continue to depend on His Majesty’s rich fountain of wisdom as I provide policing leadership for our nation.”
The IGP also extended his profound gratitude to Prof. Ahonkhai, former Deputy Govenor of Edo State Rev. Peter Obadan, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Arik Airline Arumemi Johnson, Rotimi Arumemi, the entire members of Ora Ekpen Development Association (ODA) and all others equally valuable guests, friends and relations that have made the event possible.
He promised to project the values of Sabongidda Community and the entire Owan land and that he will not disappoint his relations and friends as he walks through the journey of life.
Therefore he disclosed that, “it is in furtherance of this that I incorporated the Madam Mercy Igbe-Arase (Nee Ifidon) Foundation which has so far awarded scholarship to deserving 15 Owan West and East undergraduates to enable them fulfill their dreams and make their youthful age and future as worth celebrating as mine,” stressing that he would join to drive the development of the Sabongidda Ora Community.
RECEPTION: Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor (middle), making a speech during a reception for Mr. Solomon Arase, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). On his left is his wife, Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole and Mr. Solomon Arase (right) at Sabongida-Ora at the weekend. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.
