Obiano Mourns Arase, Describes Him As Friend & Partner In Securing Anambra

SIR PAUL NWOSU PhD 

Former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, has expressed deep shock over the passing of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase.

Obiano, who spoke with a heavy heart, said his last conversation with Arase gave no sign of an imminent demise, as the late Police chief was in high spirits.

“Dr. Arase was not only a very good friend but also a professional police officer whose unfettered cooperation helped us to make Anambra the safest state in Nigeria during my tenure,” Obiano recalled.

He recounted how IGP Arase personally came to Anambra State to launch the first phase of Operation Kpochapu, an anti-crime initiative that transformed security management in the state. On that occasion, Governor Obiano donated 25 smart patrol cars fitted with advanced communication gadgets, while Arase commissioned a state-of-the-art Communication and Control Room for the Joint Security Taskforce.

According to Obiano, Arase was impressed with the model of community-police partnership pioneered in Anambra, which had already begun to drastically reduce crime across the state. His endorsement and encouragement spurred the government to expand the initiative into a larger second phase of Operation Kpochapu.

In that phase, the Obiano administration released an unprecedented security fleet: 111 Innoson-made patrol vehicles, 71 smart motorbikes, 49 pick-up trucks, 9 mobile surveillance vans with electronic devices, and 3 heavy-duty trucks, all equipped with modern communication systems. The assets were distributed across all security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Army, Navy, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Customs, Correctional Service, and NDLEA.

This bold intervention dealt a decisive blow to criminal elements, forcing them to flee the state and cementing Anambra’s reputation as the safest state in the country at the time.

Following the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the state then, Anambra confidently and successfully hosted the 12th Police Games without a single ugly incident.

Obiano described Arase as “a brilliant and thoroughbred police officer who brought uncommon creativity to law enforcement.” He added: “His friendship, his professionalism, and his support will never be forgotten. The law enforcement community and indeed the entire country have lost a gem. I pray that his soul rests in peace.