The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly sent a letter of invitation to former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira abuse and financial misconduct.

According to sources within the anti-graft agency who spoke with SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the letter was delivered earlier this week, and the commission is now awaiting Tompolo’s response.

The sources clarified that the invitation is procedural and not an arrest warrant, but emphasised its expectation of his cooperation.

“An invitation letter has been sent to Tompolo,” one of the sources said.

This development follows public outrage over a viral video showing Tompolo celebrating what appeared to be his 54th birthday in April. In the footage, which trended widely on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tompolo is seen dancing while another man sprays him with bundles of ₦1,000 notes — a direct violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.

The law prohibits the spraying or mutilation of naira notes at social events and prescribes penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.

Public criticism of the EFCC escalated after the video emerged, with many Nigerians accusing the agency of selective justice. While celebrities like Bobrisky, E-Money, Iyabo Ojo, and comedian AY have faced interrogation or prosecution for similar offences, Tompolo appeared to have been ignored — until now.

The backlash triggered widespread debate over the EFCC’s consistency in law enforcement, especially given Tompolo’s influential role in the Niger Delta and his federal contract to secure oil pipelines.

In a statement on Monday, the EFCC confirmed Tompolo would be investigated, declaring: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer.”

Meanwhile, full details of the investigation remain undisclosed.

The Senate on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, decried the absence of Federal Character Principles in sharing of resources and opportunities across the country.

This was made known during the investigative hearing on the implementation of the Federal Character principle in Nigeria’s public sector organises by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs.

The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh in his opening speechnsaid the Federal Character Commission in Nigeria is mandated to ensure fairness and equity in the distribution of public posts and socio-economic opportunities across the nation, promoting national unity and integration. This mandate he bsaid is enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigerian as amended- focuses on proportional sharing of resources and opportunities.

“As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Character Principle is fundamental to our national cohesion. It mandates that governance must reflect the diversity of our federation to prevent domination by any one group or region. Sadly, systemic abuse and ineffective enforcement have made this principle more honoured in the breach than in observance.”

Stressing that persistent non-compliance by many MDAs in both recruitment and infrastructure allocation has fueled marginalization and deepened discontent. The Federal Character Commission, despite its legal powers, has struggled with enforcement. This reality calls for urgent reforms, possibly including a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal, to ensure that violations are meaningfully addressed.” He said.

Sen. Allwell call on all stakeholders, MDAs, civil society, and the public to support this process as full cooperation is expected, and the Committee will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 where necessary.

He warned that the leadership of every agencies must honour their invitation for the investigative hearing because the committee will live no stone unturned in it bid to unravel the ministry behind the lopsided distribution of resources and opportunities in Nigeria.

Senator Seriake Dickson on his part said the creation of Federal Character Commission was for equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across board, thereby giving every region a sense of belonging, but regretted the reality on ground.

Dicksom assured that the committee will unravel the ministry surrounding the unequitable distribution of resources and opportunities andndeals with accordingly.

Also, Sen. Simon Lalong said the aim of the essence of Federal Character is for inclusiveness. Lamenting that the aims and objectives has not been met.

He pointed out that the committee will unfolds a lot of flaws by thorough investigative hearing, while buttressing on the mandate of the commission. And that the committee will carry out their assignment with equity and fairness.

Other senators who also spoke at the hearing corroborated with the committee ‘s Chairman, Sen. Onyesoh and vowed to make sure the committee gets to the roots of it.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The race to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027 is gradually gaining momentum, with political stakeholders and groups across Lagos State already rooting for their preferred candidates.

Among those generating buzz is Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A growing number of party faithful and influential figures are backing him, with popular Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, reportedly leading a ‘silent’ push for Gbajabiamila to emerge as the APC flagbearer in the next gubernatorial election.

Supporters are said to be banking on his close ties to the President and long-standing political experience, which they believe make him a strong contender.

“Gbajabiamila is not just a seasoned legislator. Now as Chief of Staff to the President, he has added executive experience.

“That’s the kind of leadership Lagos needs,” said Famous Oloyede, an APC chieftain from Surulere.

However, some party members believe that by 2027, Gbajabiamila, who will be 64, may be too old to govern a complex and fast-moving state like Lagos.

“He should stay back in Abuja and continue supporting the President. Lagos needs someone younger; and besides, it’s time another administrative district takes the seat,” a senior party source revealed.

Lagos State is organised into five administrative districts, collectively called IBILE, namely Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe.

Notably, the last four governors of the state, Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have all hailed from either Lagos Island or Epe.

Even Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor, identified as a native of Lagos Island.

The clamour for 2027 is not one-sided. Stakeholders from Epe, a region that once produced former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, are also pressing for political rebalancing.

Following Ambode’s fallout with the APC leadership, many indigenes believe Epe has been marginalised in the state’s power structure.

As a result, attention has shifted to the current Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who hails from Epe. Many locals view him as a competent and loyal figure capable of restoring Epe’s influence in Lagos politics.

“Epe has been marginalised for years,” said Olugbede Adekalu, a strong APC member.

“Ambode was not allowed to complete his second term, unlike others before him. It’s time to correct that injustice,” he said.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, is also being quietly touted by political and religious circles.

A notable Islamic cleric recently expressed support for Obasa’s candidacy, citing his legislative experience and grassroots popularity.

While Obasa has yet to make a formal declaration, he recently made a subtle remark that has further fueled speculations.

Speaking during a public engagement, the Speaker said, “Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”

Observers believe Obasa’s statement was a calculated message to signal openness to the race without making an outright announcement.

Also making the rounds is the name of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

While he has not publicly declared interest, speculations are rife, with several diaspora groups reportedly rooting for him.

This development has placed the party and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos, in a dilemma, especially as President Tinubu has remained silent despite the growing clamour for his son’s potential candidacy.

In addition to the growing field of aspirants, fresh agitations are emerging from Ikorodu, one of Lagos State’s largest administrative districts under the IBILE structure.

Despite the fact that the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, hails from Iga Egbe, a traditional compound within the Ikorodu Division, many stakeholders are insisting the district is yet to be adequately represented at the top.

According to party insiders, there is mounting support for either Rep Babajimi Benson or Hamzat himself to emerge as the next governor.

However, should neither of them clinch the ticket, strong lobbying is ongoing for Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, former House of Representatives member and current Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, to be considered for the position of deputy governor, especially if the governorship goes to another district.

“Ikorodu deserves a real shot at the governorship. It’s one of the most loyal and populated zones in Lagos, yet we’ve never truly had our turn,” said a party source.

While some argued that Ikorodu had a brief taste of power through Abiodun Ogunleye, who served as deputy governor during Tinubu’s administration, a party member countered that Ogunleye’s tenure, just 14 days between May 15 and May 29, 2007, was too short to be considered meaningful representation.

A party insider from Ogolonto, a community in Ikorodu, stated:

“Ogunleye’s 14-day tenure was purely symbolic. You can’t call that real representation. That’s not power-sharing, it was a token gesture. Ikorodu deserves more than a fleeting appointment.

“Serving just 14 days as deputy governor hardly qualifies as meaningful leadership. Ikorodu deserves more than a fleeting appointment.”

Reflecting growing calls for more equitable power rotation across Lagos, some party members have maintained that adjoining districts long overlooked deserve a turn in the executive seat.

“Power should shift to Badagry now. They’ve never produced either a governor since 1999,” another party member told DAILY POST.

Another name quietly gaining traction within APC circles is that of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo (Tokunbo) Abiru, who currently represents Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

This district encompasses the local government areas of Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu

With many zones clamouring for recognition and no clear frontrunner emerging yet, one thing is clear: the contest for the soul of Lagos in 2027 will be one of the most keenly watched and hotly contested in the state’s recent political history.