High profile dignitaries and sympathisers from all walks of life, flocked to the funeral service of Retired Inspector General of Police, and ex-Chairman of Police Service Commission, PSC, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase in Benin City, Edo State.
Speaking during the service at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri said the late officer lived a graceful and fulfilled life, having attained the highest rank in the Force, as well as being the chairman of PSC.
Diri, who is the chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, expressed grief for Arase, nothing that his death was a big blow to the whole nation at large, and the South in particular.
He therefore, enjoined his family and friends to uphold the beliefs of the late ex-PSC Chairman, which the governor stated as discipline, dedication to duty, and the fear of God.
The Bayelsa Governor prayed for Arase’s family and friends that God should grant them all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In his his homily, Rev. Father Andrew Obinyan stated that whoever refuses God’s voice will not only loose it on earth but will also loose it in the great beyond.
While quoting the Gospel according to St. John, Chapter 11, verses 17 to 27, the Clergy noted that God cannot allow any temptation that is beyond His children to happen to them, but God’s children’s death is a plus, as they will rise into resurrection of life.
As we are here gathering to celebrate the exist to the heavenly of our dear brother and Parishioner, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, I welcome you all. I want to quickly let you know that anyone that doesn’t hearken the voice of our Lord has lost it all.
“The Gospel according to Saint John, chapter 11, from verse 17 to 27 stated that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and life, and that whosoever believe in Him has everlasting life, but whosoever does not has lost it all. We must hope for the future, and the future is our everlasting home.
“Arase served God and humanity. This testimony is glaring for all to see here. With the large crowd of personalities here to bid him farewell, it is not a gain-saying that our brother lived an impactful life.
“To the immediate family of our departed brother, especially our dear mother and her children, I pray God Almighty will console and comfort you. I want you to know that God will never allow temptation which is beyond you to happen to you because you are His children. Always remember that the word of God stated that the Almighty is the husband of the widow, and Father to the fatherless. God will never leave you alone. Put your trust in Him, and he will be there for you always”, Obinyan stated.
Dignitaries at the burial ceremony according to Yemi Akinsuyi who filed in the report amongst others were, Governors Duoye Diri, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other members of Edo State House of Assembly, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, members Police Management Team, as well as both serving and retired officers, heads of security agencies in Edo State, Commissioners, media executives, Diasporan representatives, etc.
Popular musicians were on ground to light up the ceremony with good music.
