Tension in Nigerian Police as Jonathan fires IGP Abba, appoints Arase

There is confusion and tension in the Nigerian police today as President Goodluck Jonathan sacked Mr. Suleiman Abba, as the Inspector-General of Police few hours ago.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President has named a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, as Abba’s replacement in acting capacity.

No reason was given for the President’s decision to relieve Abba of his appointment.

The statement read, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has relieved the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.

“President Jonathan has also appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase as Acting Inspector-General of Police, also with immediate effect.

“Until his appointment as Mr. Abba’s replacement, Mr. Arase was the Head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.

“Mr. Arase holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Law, as well as Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Political Science and Strategic Studies.

“He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College.”

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday sacked the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, less that nine months after his appointment on July 31, 2014.

The President has named a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, as the acting IGP.

Abba, who was the AIG Zone 7 before his appointment as the IG, succeeded Mohammed Abubakar, who retired after 35 years in service last year.

No reason was given for the sacking.

More details later…

Photo Arase, and Abba