Arase’s book: An eye-opener to the policing climate in Nigeria

The official public presentation and launch of the book, ‘Law on Policing and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria’ authored by former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase attracted many dignitaries from across the country. The launch highlighted the many issues the Nigerian Police Force faces in the current climate. According to the […]

The official public presentation and launch of the book, ‘Law on Policing and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria’ authored by former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase attracted many dignitaries from across the country. The launch highlighted the many issues the Nigerian Police Force faces in the current climate. According to the author in his speech, the book is a compilation of knowledge gathered during his tenure as the IGP and also a compilation of some information gathered from his doctoral thesis. 

The event took place in Abuja, and the Special Guest of Honour was the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by Senator Babafemi Ojudu and former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, chaired the event. They both gave notable speeches on how the book will help to create a better policing environment. The event attracted friends, colleagues and family of the author who came to show support. Dignitaries including traditional rulers, politicians, state governors and top ranking military officers were all on hand to give moral and financial support. 

The former governor of Cross River state, Donald Duke gave an interesting welcome remark, where he highlighted a few points from the book. Duke mentioned in his speech that “policing is local and local knowledge is absolute”. He also noted that he disagreed with the author by adding, “I must say however that I disagree with the author’s position that state policing through theoretically ideal will be abused and that states indeed are too financially handicapped from embarking on this. We must always strive for the ideal without losing sight of reality with the reality being that we are severely under policed.”

He further gave a detailed analysis of the police to citizen ration in Nigeria, which he stated was inadequate for proper crime control and execution of the law. Also, he complained about the criteria for recruitment into the police force, saying that the current minimum requirement is OND which he does not consider good enough. He suggested that the requirement be moved up to at least an HND. The former governor showed off his humorous side by ending his speech with a joke.

In his speech, the author, Dr. Solomon Arase, said that proceeds from his books would be given out as scholarship to policemen children who have shown interest in intellectualism in line with what the publication entails. The former IGP maintained that policing in the 21st century must develop into a knowledge driven system that will benefit Nigeria.

 “The Solomon Arase Foundation will act as a platform for the organization of the Annual Solomon Arase Strategic Police Management Lecture Series for senior serving and retired police and criminal justice managers in Nigeria and across the African continent. This is to further my zeal for strengthening of criminal justice delivery in the continent through professional networking and capacity building.” He added. Arase also called for a knowledge-driven policing system in the country. 

Speaking at the event, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, commended Mr. Arase for his work, saying, “I must thank you for this great expose on how to take policing to our various communities. I want to thank you for making us proud.We must think of how to break down policing. We need state police. You can’t do it all from Abuja. It’s an issue we can’t delay any further”

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Mr Babafemi Ojudu, who represented the Acting President said, “there is no way we can move on with the way we are policing now. We are looking very carefully at the issue of community policing, and very soon we will come out with a policy on that.”

The book was reviewed by Professor David Badaiki, the former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. 

Guests congratulated Dr. Arese on the launch of his third book, giving their goodwill messages and encouraging the author to write more books.  

Former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Tafa Balogun, who spoke on behalf of all former IGPs, said the book will go a long way in helping to reduce the crime rate in Nigeria. The former IGP also commended the author on a job well done, saying he looks forward to his next book. Finally, he advised every Nigerian to get a copy of the book, as it will take them into the world of law enforcement agencies.

Arase also got commendations from the Oba Ewuare II of Benin, Oba Akiolu of Lagos, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Sen. Abu Ibrahim

Other dignitaries present are; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, representatives of Service Chiefs, Chief Bayo Ojo, Dr Wale Babalakin, Dr Muiz Banire, the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Babatunde Fowler, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and former governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda.