The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has assured the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of the full support and commitment of the state’s traditional institution in the fight against corruption and other economic and financial crimes.

He gave the assurance at the weekend in Lagos while receiving the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC , Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, who led a delegation of top officers of the Commission on a courtesy visit to his palace.

Oba Akiolu described the visit as a mark of respect not only to the traditional institution of Lagos, but also to the enduring values of integrity, justice, and collaboration.

“The Palace of Lagos regards the mission of the EFCC not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a moral crusade. In a global economic hub such as Lagos, the integrity of the financial system is the very foundation of prosperity”, he said.

The monarch further described corruption as a shadow that must be dispelled by the light of transparency and the firm hand of justice.

While commending the EFCC’s relentless efforts to root out corruption and financial crimes, he noted that the anti-graft war requires strong institutions and collective resolve.

“Your request for fatherly support is hereby granted with the full weight of the Throne. The wisdom of this Palace is rooted in the eternal truth that righteousness exalts a nation. Together with the Council of Chiefs, we pledge our cooperation in fostering a culture of accountability that will resonate across Lagos and beyond”.

Earlier, Kaltungo thanked the monarch for the warm reception and conveyed the greetings of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Recalling his first encounter with Oba Akiolu at the outset of his career in 2004, he said: “I am here to formally introduce myself as the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“Today, I feel like I am coming home to see my father, now that I am back at the Lagos Directorate.”

He added that the visit was also aimed at strengthening the relationship between the traditional institution and the Commission’s efforts to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.

“Today, my team and I consider it both necessary and respectful to seek an audience with you, acknowledging your fatherly role in the state and fulfilling our mandate to engage critical stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes,” he said.

Kaltungo further noted that traditional leaders play a pivotal role in shaping societal values and promoting honesty and fairness, adding that “We pray for your continued wisdom and guidance, and we are confident that, together, we can strengthen the foundation of integrity for the benefit of all.”

Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has rejected the consensus arrangement adopted by the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Report says that stakeholders of the party had during a meeting on Sunday presided over by Governor Yahaya, anointed DCP Mohammed Ahmadu Deba (Rtd) as the APC’s consensus candidate for Goje’s seat.

However, in a statement issued by his aide, Barr. Saidu Muazu Kumo, Senator Goje, who is seeking a record fifth term at the Senate, said the purported consensus meeting involved only Governor Yahaya and a limited number of aspirants, “and did not include all duly recognized aspirants within the party.”

According to him, the provisions of the Electoral Act has clearly stipulated two lawful methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“These methods must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure legality and transparency in the electoral process.

“It is further noteworthy that across the various electoral constituencies, several aspirants have validly purchased their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, and were not participants in the said consensus arrangement held at the Government House,” he added.

Barr. Kumo added that in accordance with the extant electoral framework, the nomination process shall be conducted through direct primary elections, which are to be duly monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies, and in a date to picked by the party.

He stated that any form of imposition of candidates by political parties is inconsistent with, and contrary to, the provisions of the current electoral laws in Nigeria.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress, citing worsening internal crises within the party and broader national challenges.

In a statement shared on Sunday (today)on X, Obi said his decision followed deep personal reflection and “silent pains” he had been carrying while navigating Nigeria’s political environment.

He described the country’s system as increasingly toxic, saying it had become marked by intimidation, insecurity, suspicion, and discouragement, which he argued often undermines sincere public service.

“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the system that should protect and create opportunities often works against the people,” he said.

Obi also said he had been subjected to unfair criticism and internal pressure within political spaces he previously joined in search of solidarity and reform-minded leadership.

“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he stated, adding that humility is often misinterpreted as weakness in Nigeria’s political culture

He clarified that his departure from the ADC was not due to personal issues with the party leadership, including former Senate President David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he continues to respect.

According to him, his decision was driven by what he described as the infiltration of unresolved political conflicts and recurring legal and internal disputes that have distracted the party from national issues.

“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them.

“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building,” he said.

Obi said he has no personal desperation for political office, stressing that his focus remains on national welfare rather than positions.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people can live in dignity, without hunger, fear, or displacement,” he said.

Despite leaving the party, Obi reaffirmed his belief in a better Nigeria, insisting that competent and compassionate leadership remains possible.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared