In 1989, sequel to the promulgation of Decree Number 48, now Act of Parliament, which was aimed at eradicating illicit drug trafficking and consumption among Nigerians, the Federal Government that was faced by two most dreaded monsters, corruption and illicit drugs, decided to appoint a security leader in the person of retired Deputy Inspector General of police Fidelis Oyakhilome, to midwife the birth of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and map out strategies to fight carriers and users of illegal drugs as the sector was gradually developing into a war zone that must be conquered with the support of patriotic Nigerians and the government.
Although his performance was applauded, only a few other subsequent leaders of the agencywere remarkable, like Baapa Jamare and Brig. General Muhammed Buba Marwa (retd.). Marwa has virtually overshadowed all the previous leaders of the organization in every ramification. (I started covering the official activities of the agency as a Crime correspondent of the Concord press newspaper). As the agency joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, otherwise known as World Drug Day, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, one remarkable aspect of the occasion was the encouraging and appreciative remarks of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Surely, such a pat on the back of the chief executive of the NDLEA and every member of the organization means that the country really appreciates and applauds their determination in curbing the excesses of these heartless drug mafias who, unfortunately, hace permeated every home and educational institutions around the country. Despite the fact that the organization was celebrating their existence, one would have thought that General Marwa and his men would have gone to sleep and rested on their oar, not so. His men are like the giant restless and determined eagle, these Marwa boys flew into the federal capital where they stormed a negative social party where drugs were freely used by guests. This seems to be in vogue today among some of the elite and students of higher institutions. It is for this reason that the father of the nation, President Tinubu, assured the agency of full collaboration and support in every of its efforts to fight the drug war, that is almost enveloping the country. A war that is already crippling our economy and shattering the moral fabric of our homes. It is because of this Marwa war that one sees the NDLEA as the hope of the country.
(To be continued)
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Won’t they miss Solomon Arase? (2 )
Truly, the speed at which statements of the removal of Dr. Solomon came out gives the indication that’s due diligence was not adhered to before he was removed from office. Was it not the sameDr. Arase whom former President Muhammadu Buhari paid glowing tribute about his professionalism and rare integrity before appointing him as the sixth chairman of the Police service Commission (PSC)? How come the hasty decision? If this administration were not presenting to the public, the impression of a biassed adjudicator by the way it stamped its authority on the allegation against the PSC and its chairman, by tagging along and lending an itching ear to the report that was only favourable to its plan to remove the chairman. By heeding the report of alleged “marred recruitment exercise,” one would have expected that the right action was to first investigate and later suspend the PSC chairman, which is a tenured appointment, pending the outcome of the instituted investigative panel. Not so. The President swiftly jumped to conclusions without assessing and giving the alledged “accused” the opportunity to defend himself according to the law of justice, just because the accuser was once his security aide, so, whatsoever he alledged was correct, not withstanding if the allegation was baseless or tainted with falsehood. Many security observers are of the opinion that there is more to the removal of Dr. Solomon Arase than what is being peddled around about the 2024 recruitment exercise in the public space. After all, what has President Tinubu done to some of his appointees whom Nigerians had severally questioned their performance? Yet axe of the President had not been wielded their way. That the removal of Arase ignited anger from virtually every staff of the PSC shows complete love and acceptance by members of the commission. Even the workers’ union frowned at the presidential decision, which they described as faulty.
Like a shining bright star, he dazzled the entire security community with his intellectual powers and articulation whenever he put pen on paper to write security reports for Alhaji Gambo Jimeta who was then the police commissioner in charge of Lagos State. Those who knew him in the early 1980s could easily prophesy that his rise in the police was inevitable. Arase, a pragmatic and gentle man whose personality radiates happiness and milk of human kindness and above all his disposition is like the rose flower that attracts. His star further brightened when Tafa Balogun was appointed as the 11th Inspector-General of Police in 2002. Balogun immediately appointed him as the Principal Staff Officer. It was while serving as the first eye and ear of the IGP that his real hidden talent became more noticeable. His leadership qualities and humanitarian dispositions were more revealed. All the successes of Balogun were traceable to his intellectualism. Is this the star that the government will discard in such a time when the country is almost bereft of good leadership?
Solomon Ehigiator Arase, a retired Nigerian police officer, was appointed PSC chairman in January 2023 by President Buhari. Arase also served as the 18th IGP, after Suleiman Abba was sacked. Arase’s removal elicited comments from members of the public in the first part of this column.
Your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication will left an indelible mark on our organisation (PSC). Your tireless efforts to propel us forward in training, staff welfare, and motivation have transformed our workplace into a vibrant and thriving community.
Under your guidance, we have experienced:. – Unparalleled growth through comprehensive training programs, empowering us to excel in our roles.
– Enhanced staff welfare initiatives, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
– Inspirational motivation, encouraging us to strive for excellence and push beyond our limits.
Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to success and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Your legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us to reach new heights.
Another reader writes:
“Your selfless service, unwavering commitment, and transformative leadership, we are forever grateful for the impact you’ve made on PSCand and police as a whole.
May your future endeavours be blessed with continued success and prosperity
(Concluded )