The Police Service Commission (PSC) has been thrown into mourning following the death of its former Chairman, DIG Parry Osayande (Rtd), barely a month after the passing of another former Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase.
In a statement released by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC described Osayande as “an erudite and consummate police officer who paid his dues as an exemplary leader and visionary administrator.”
DIG Osayande, who succeeded Chief Simon Okeke, the pioneer Chairman of the PSC, was appointed in April 2008 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. His tenure was marked by significant growth within the Commission, including securing Presidential approval for the construction of the Commission’s corporate headquarters, now located in the Jabi District of Abuja.
Remembering the late Osayande, the current Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), mni, described his passing as a “great loss to the Commission and the nation.”
“DIG Osayande was fearless, focused, and had a commanding presence that gave the Commission mileage during its formative years,” Argungu said.
“This is indeed a very difficult period for us, having lost two of our former Chairmen in less than a month. We urge Nigerians to remember the Commission in their prayers,” he added.
DIG Osayande reportedly died early Sunday morning in Benin City, Edo State.
The late DIG was widely respected for his unwavering dedication to policing reforms and his role in strengthening the institution of the PSC during its early years.
Further details about his burial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in due course.