By Chinedu Echianu
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, the President says that while he supports the EFCC’s independence and anti-corruption mandate, the timing of the action—coming just days before the Osun State governorship election—could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
Tinubu stresses that although the commission acted under a valid court order obtained on August 5, he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the move, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived as decisions of the Presidency, regardless of whether he was consulted.
The President reiterates his long-standing policy of allowing anti-corruption agencies to operate independently without political interference but said the proximity of the governorship election made the situation exceptional.
According to him, no action should create the impression that any federal agency is being used to influence the outcome of an election. He added that preserving the integrity, credibility and fairness of the democratic process was in the overriding public interest.
Tinubu consequently directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
The directive follows a dispute between the EFCC and the Osun State Government over the freezing of the state’s accounts as part of an investigation into alleged financial infractions, including claims of misappropriation of ₦11 billion.
While the state government has denied the allegations and accused the commission of acting unfairly, the EFCC insists its investigation is lawful, non-political and in line with its statutory mandate.
