ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate a court order freezing an account belonging to the Osun State Government, saying the timing of the action could undermine public confidence ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, the President said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the EFCC’s action, stressing that although the anti-graft agency acted under a valid court order and within its legal mandate, the development risked creating the impression of federal interference in the electoral process.
Tinubu disclosed that he had instructed the EFCC to return to court without delay to withdraw the order and discontinue all legal actions relating to the freezing of the account.
According to the President, every action taken by a federal institution is often interpreted as having his direct approval, even when he has no prior knowledge of such decisions.
He reaffirmed that since assuming office in May 2023, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, professionally and without political interference.
“I have deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the law, are essential for good governance and the rule of law,” the President stated.
Tinubu, however, explained that while he was still awaiting a comprehensive briefing on the matter, the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the timing of the account freeze inappropriate.
He stressed that no action by any federal agency should create the perception that the Federal Government is attempting to influence or interfere with the democratic process.
“Osun State is only a few days away from its governorship election. Nothing should be done that could suggest the EFCC or any other federal agency is being used to influence the outcome of the election,” he said.
The controversy began on Tuesday when Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke announced that one of the state’s accounts domiciled in a commercial bank had been placed on a Post No Debit restriction by the EFCC.
According to the governor, the affected account is used for the payment of workers’ salaries. He further alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the accounts of several senior officials of the state government.
Adeleke challenged the EFCC to publicly justify its action, insisting that the agency should present evidence supporting its decision.
He argued that the development and other actions directed at the state were raising serious concerns about the country’s democratic process, particularly given the timing ahead of the election.
In response, the EFCC defended its decision, stating that it detected suspicious financial transactions involving the account.
The Commission said investigators observed substantial transfers of funds from the account into several corporate entities, prompting an immediate intervention to prevent possible diversion of public funds.
According to the EFCC, freezing the account was part of its statutory responsibility to safeguard public resources and prevent financial crimes.
The agency maintained that its preventive mandate requires it to act whenever there is credible evidence suggesting public funds may be at risk.
The EFCC further stated that while it was fully aware of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, it could not suspend its constitutional responsibilities because of the political calendar.
The Commission argued that allowing suspected financial irregularities to continue unchecked simply because an election was approaching would amount to neglect of its legal duties.
The account freeze sparked widespread reactions across the country, with opposition politicians and several stakeholders describing the action as politically motivated due to its timing.
Despite the criticism, the EFCC insisted that its actions were guided strictly by law and that it remained committed to protecting public funds without fear or favour.
President Tinubu’s directive to reverse the account freeze is expected to ease political tensions in Osun State as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election.
Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Account Ahead of Governorship Election
