Former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, who formally assumed office as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday, pledged to foster a cordial oversight relationship between the commission and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). He emphasized the need for media support to promote unity between the two bodies and to help reshape the public’s negative perception of the police.
Arase, a former IGP, noted that security sector reform tops his agenda at the PSC. He recalled that President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) appointed him chairman on 24 January 2023, following the resignation of former chairman Musiliu Smith, also a former IGP. After Senate confirmation, Arase took the oath of office on Wednesday in the council chambers, just before the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Speaking to journalists at a media parley in his office on Thursday evening, Arase called for stronger cooperation between the media and the police. He said the media would be granted easy access to information, enabling it to portray the police in a more positive light. He stressed that the police should be a “Nigerian Police Force” where citizens can both critique and propose solutions to problems.
“I mentioned yesterday that there will be a paradigm shift in our relationship and oversight function with the Nigeria Police Force,” Arase said. “Recent times have been marked by uncertainty over responsibilities. One major aspect we have not addressed is security sector reform, and I will seek your cooperation to strengthen our relationship. We have been dealing with a negative public perception, and I want you to change your approach to reporting policing activities in the country.”
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