Arase Resigns as Edo PPPTF Chairman …Thanks Obaseki

Ronke Kehinde/

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Solomon Arase has resigned his appointment as the Chairman, Edo State Private Property Protection Task Force (PPPTF).

Dr Arase, who had served for over two years as the Chairman of the Task Force said he could no longer combine the task with other national and international engagements.

In his letter of resignation dated August 1, 2019, Arase thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for appointing him as the inaugural Chairman of the Edo State PPPTF after emplacing a legal framework for the Task Force following the proscription of the Community Development Associations by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n‘Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

It was disclosed that despite the administrative and operational challenges since May 2017, Dr Arase had offered to serve as the Chairman of PPPTF without any form of remuneration or allowances all through his tenure.

He has, however, appealed to the governor to enhance his commitment to the Committee with a view to strengthening its operations.

Here’s the full text of the resignation letter:

NOTIFICATION OF RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER OF EDO STATE PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION TASK FORCE

I write to renew my warm courtesy and to once again, put on record my deep appreciation of Your Excellency’s leadership and demonstrated passion for the development of Edo State. I also appreciate Your Excellency for appointing me as the inaugural Chairman of the Edo State Private Properties Protection Task Force (PPPTF) after emplacing a legal framework for the Task Force following the proscription of the Community Development Associations by Our Most Revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n‘Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

2.            Your Excellency will appreciate that following its inauguration in May. 2017, the PPPTF under my chairmanship has emplaced sustainable and functional systems and structures which have been effective in halting the state of lawlessness that preceded the establishment of the Committee. In spite of apparent administrative and operational challenges, members worked assiduously towards ensuring that the objectives of Your Excellency in establishing the Committee and restoring citizens’ and investors’ confidence in the system were achieved.

3.            While I still remain passionate about the initiative, I, am unfortunately, increasingly weighed down by other national and international engagements which may impact on my optimal and full-time functioning as the Chairman of the Committee as I would have wished. I am, therefore, constrained to inform Your Excellency of my decision to step aside from the Chairmanship and membership of the Committee at this time, having been convinced that a solid foundation has been laid under my short but fulfilling Chairmanship, for the advancement of the initiative by other equally committed members or other great minds of Edo State.

4.            In taking this decision, I deeply appreciate the support and confidence reposed in me by Your Excellency, the Benin Traditional Council, and the entire people of Edo State. It is, indeed, for this reason that I accepted to take up the Chairmanship of the Task Force when it was conceptualized. It is also, for this reason that I offered to selflessly serve the State as the Chairman of the Task Force without any form of remuneration or allowances all through my tenure as Chairman. As I step aside, however, I wish to encourage Your Excellency to enhance his commitment to the Committee with a view to strengthening its operations.

5.            While assuring Your Excellency of my consistent support for his government and commitment to offering requisite pieces of advice when called upon, it remains my fervent prayer that God continues to grant you wisdom and means needed to guide our beloved State to the path of greatness which Your Excellency envisions.

6.            Accept, Your Excellency, my deep appreciation and the honour of my highest and esteemed regards, please.

Dr. Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM

0