Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, says he has been told that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will come knocking when his tenure elapses next week.

Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be handing over to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 12.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, ThisDay reports Obaseki as saying that he would spend his time in EFCC custody doing some research.

“I hear that the EFCC will pick me next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research,” he said.

Obaseki, who has served as Edo governor since 2016, said he has left a legacy in the state.

“There are many things we have done that can be described as legacy projects,” he added.

“I believe in Edo state. One of the things that will last for a very long time to come is the fact that we were able to focus on Edo people and the things that matter to them, reform and implement those things.”

Obaseki said he is being hounded by a “cruel and wicked” opposition in the state, adding that he would gladly hand himself over to the anti-graft agency when the operatives come calling.

“Why should I have fears? I just focused on what I believe in and today, you can see what has been achieved. What happens after that is not up to me,” the outgoing governor said.

“They can continue with their political witch-hunt and do all they can to hurt me, that’s their problem.

“I’m not afraid, I’m not worried. They have written all sorts of silly petitions against me and that’s part of the challenge. In fact, I can even hand myself over, and if they call me, I don’t have anything to hide.

“You know how this country is, it is all about bitterness, it is all about vendetta, wickedness.

“People who have opposed me in Edo state are cruel, very wicked people, very jealous and envious and this is because they cannot show as much as the achievements we have made in the past eight years.

“But what is important to us is to focus on our people in order to make Nigeria better because the suffering is too much.

“We have the advantage and privilege to make things happen. So, we should focus on issues and not on vendetta.”

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, has directed officers to wear black bands in honour of Taoreed Lagbaja, the late chief of army staff (COAS).

In a statement signed by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, Egbetokun ordered personnel to wear the bands during the seven-day mourning period.

“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means.”

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of Lagbaja.

Lagbaja died on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was 56-years-old.

He was appointed COAS by Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

Lagbaja enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.

In September 1992, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th regular course.

He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

Lagbaja also participated in various internal security operations, including operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in south-east, and forest sanity in Kaduna and Niger.

The president has appointed Olufemi Oluyede as acting COAS.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed off some establishments over alleged noise pollution.

The facilities sealed include churches, lounges, nightclubs, bars, and hotels in the Lagos metropolis.

In a statement on Wednesday, Babatunde Ajayi, the general manager of LASEPA, said the move was in line with the agency’s efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, LASEPA took action, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state,” Ajayi said.

He noted that the establishments were found guilty of breaching environmental regulations despite multiple warnings from LASEPA.

He reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy on regulatory non-compliance, saying “we will not permit disregard for our regulations”.

Ajayi said the enforcement drive focused on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota.

He added that the sealed outfits include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Night Club and Lounge, and Bridge Spot Bar.

Others are Okiki Event Centre and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The LASEPA boss urged all businesses to recognise their environmental obligations and work alongside the state government to foster a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.