News
IGP Egbetokun Pays Condolence Visit to Arase’s Family
During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased former IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase, in Abuja today.
IGP Egbetokun extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the deceased IGP Arase.
Kayode Egbetokun acknowledges the deep pain of this loss and prays for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to Police reforms and National Security.
The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.
Arase died in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
The news of his death was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase jnr on Sunday.
BIOGRAPHY
IGP Solomon Arase was born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State.
He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science.
He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State.
Arase was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.
During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively.
He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016.
He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024.
He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights.
IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.
His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour.
PHILANTHROPY
Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
News
BREAKING: PDP Expels Wike, Anyanwu, Fayose, Ajibade, others over alleged Anti-party activities
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled several prominent members, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kamaldeen Ajibade, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, and others, over alleged anti-party activities.
The major shake-up occurred on Saturday at the party’s ongoing 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where delegates deliberated extensively on internal discipline and the future of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to party officials, the expulsion was adopted after majority of the delegates overwhelming voted in support of the National Working Committee’s recommendation, citing the need to cleanse the party of persistent internal sabotage and factional crises.
Party leaders described the move as a “decisive step toward restoring unity, discipline, and focus,” noting that the PDP must reposition itself to regain national relevance and electoral competitiveness.
The expulsion marks one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions in the party’s recent history and is expected to trigger political reactions across the country.
Details later…
Health
Doctors’ strike continues as NARD demands fair deal, better pay
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has urged the Federal Government to immediately conclude the long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the union’s indefinite strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.
The doctors are also demanding a review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which they described as outdated and inadequate in the face of rising living costs.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, NARD said doctors have waited too long for a fair and clearly defined agreement on their work conditions and remuneration.
“For long we’ve waited for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a simple, written promise that ensures fairness, clear work terms, and proper pay. But the government keeps delaying, while doctors face rising costs and crumbling morale,” the union said.
“We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.”
The ongoing industrial action, which began earlier this month, has disrupted services in 91 hospitals across the country, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and federal medical centres.
NARD reiterated that its 19-point demand list is vital for improving the welfare of doctors and safeguarding the health sector. Among the demands are the payment of arrears under CONMESS, the disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, prompt payment of specialist allowances, improved recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and better working conditions.
The union said these measures are essential to keep medical professionals in the system and maintain a functional healthcare delivery structure.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the Ministry of Health to ensure immediate resolution of the strike, assuring that the government is working to address the doctors’ concerns.
However, NARD said the continued delay in signing the CBA and reviewing salaries has further dampened morale among resident doctors, many of whom are battling with economic hardship while providing critical healthcare services.
The union maintained that it remains open to dialogue but expects urgent government action to restore normalcy in the nation’s hospitals.
News
Marwa Vows Tougher Crackdown on Drug Traffickers in Second NDLEA Tenure
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has warned drug barons and trafficking networks to brace for an even tougher clampdown as he begins his second five-year tenure.
Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, November 14, 2025, issued the warning while addressing jubilant NDLEA personnel who gathered at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to celebrate the announcement. His reappointment was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday, November 15, 2025, by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Speaking to the crowd, Marwa vowed that the next phase of the agency’s operations would be relentlessly aggressive.
“This second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria,” he declared.
He expressed surprise at the warm reception, thanking the workforce for their dedication and acknowledging the recognition from President Tinubu.
“We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate to continue the war against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
Marwa also appreciated the support of the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and several international partners who, he noted, have played vital roles in the agency’s achievements.
Issuing a stern warning to drug cartels, he urged traffickers and cannabis cultivators to abandon illicit trade:
“This is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate.”
He highlighted the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Unit, which provides legal livelihood options for offenders, but cautioned that anyone who persists will face severe consequences.
“You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. You will come out from jail to find nothing left,” he warned.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to drug-demand reduction and announced expanded rehabilitation initiatives. He said the NDLEA’s 30 rehabilitation centres will receive increased support, with seven new centres set for completion under the 2025 budget—ensuring every state has access to drug treatment facilities.
He also noted improvements in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education, including the recent approval of drug tests for students upon admission into tertiary institutions.
“With this, we can catch them young before addiction sets in,” he said.
Marwa concluded with prayers for the president, NDLEA supporters, and the agency’s personnel as he embarks on what he described as a more aggressive phase in Nigeria’s war against drugs.
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