President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate a court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the timing of the action could undermine public confidence ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The President issued the directive in a statement on Thursday after reports emerged that the anti-graft agency secured the court order a day earlier as part of an ongoing investigation.
Tinubu explains intervention
Tinubu clarified that his intervention was not intended to stop the EFCC from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, noting that the commission obtained the freezing order through a valid court process.
However, he said he felt deeply embarrassed by the timing because Nigerians often associate the actions of federal institutions with the President, even when he has no prior knowledge of such decisions.
He added that, since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption agencies to operate independently and professionally without political interference.
President cites Osun election
According to Tinubu, Osun State is only a few days away from its governorship election, making it important to avoid actions that could create the impression that federal institutions are influencing the electoral process.
He stressed that preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of the election made it necessary for him to step in despite respecting the EFCC’s statutory mandate.
EFCC directed to return to court
The President therefore instructed the EFCC to immediately return to court and seek to vacate the freezing order obtained against the Osun State Government.
He also directed the commission to discontinue the action it instituted against the state in relation to the matter, insisting that the conduct of elections must remain free from any perception of undue influence by federal institutions.
Read also: Osun Govt reveals why EFCC froze state accounts, rejects ₦11bn allegation
