The media office of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, director of Bello’s media office, said Bello “today, honoured the invitation” of the anti-graft agency.

Michael said Bello made the decision “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.

The EFCC had charged the former governor with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

Bello’s media office said the former governor who has “great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process”.

“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing,” the statement reads.

“It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has suspended Otonye Briggs, the caretaker committee chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA of the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s spokesperson, said the suspension is with immediate effect.

Chukwudi did not state the reasons behind Briggs’ suspension.

He said Fubara directed Bitebobo Nelson Amieye to take over as caretaker committee chairman.

The governor also directed Briggs to hand over all council properties in his possession to Amieye immediately.

Briggs was sworn in on June 19, alongside 23 other caretaker committee chairmen.

Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale has assumed duty as the 40th Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Command.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, noted that Olawale took over from CP Adegoke Fayoade, who had been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and had since been redeployed as the AIG Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.

Hundeyin stated that Olawale joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992.

“He holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan. Amongst other training and educational pursuits, he has attended the Tactical Leadership and Command Course, at the Police Staff College Jos, and the Strategic Leadership and Command Course, at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja.

“He has served in numerous key operational and administrative positions, where he ensured law and order in some of the most challenging environments. His experience in Lagos spans decades, during which he successfully handled high-stakes situations such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba crises, establishing himself as a tactical leader with a deep understanding of Lagos’ unique security landscape,” the statement added.

While enjoining Lagos residents to provide maximum support to the new CP, Hundeyin said he was set to embark on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, deep local knowledge, and commitment to reforms.

Speaking during the handing over, the new Lagos police boss on his part said he accepted the mantle with great joy and a sense of purpose

“Lagos is a Centre of Excellence, I know the stakes are very high but it is surmountable. I believe the duty of a Commissioner of Police in Lagos State isn’t candy, that we hand to a crying child. So, I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he added.

While thanking the governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for having confidence in his capacity, Olawale further said, “And to the good people of Lagos, I am one of you. I live here, I work here. So, it’s beyond an official assignment, it becomes personal because I’m a stakeholder in larger Lagos.

“And I promise you, the Nigeria Police in Lagos has done well, it’s only going to get better. My predecessor, my boss, has told me all I need to know. So, to me, it’s a marching order.

“And because of what Lagos is, and my professional experience in Lagos, the span of about two decades, I’m sure the job shall be done. And the name of God shall be glorified. The good people of Lagos should expect nothing but excellence.”

He promised to be fair to all, but be firm noting that by the grace of the Almighty God, Lagos shall continue to be a model of policing, not only for Nigeria but also for the world in general.