President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court and vacate the August 5 order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts. The President also instructed the anti-graft agency to discontinue all related actions against the state, saying the timing of the development could undermine public confidence ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
According to the directive, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he was embarrassed by the timing of the court order rather than the EFCC’s lawful exercise of its anti-corruption mandate. He maintained that anti-corruption agencies must continue to operate independently, professionally and within the confines of the law, while avoiding actions that could create the impression of political interference.
TINUBU CALLS FOR BALANCE BETWEEN ANTI-CORRUPTION AND DEMOCRATIC FAIRNESS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasised that the fight against corruption remains a key priority of his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the operational independence of agencies such as the EFCC. However, he stressed that such independence must be exercised with due regard for the broader public interest, especially during sensitive political periods.
The President noted that with the Osun State governorship election only days away, it was important to prevent any action that could cast doubt on the credibility, integrity and fairness of the electoral process. He said maintaining public trust in democratic institutions was essential to ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
OSUN ELECTION IN FOCUS
The directive comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election. The freezing of the state’s accounts had generated legal and political controversy, with Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier alleging that the action was carried out without a court order, while stakeholders called for greater clarity on the matter.
By directing the EFCC to seek the vacation of the freeze order and halt related actions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signalled the need for caution in handling sensitive matters capable of influencing public perception during the electoral period. The decision is expected to attract reactions from political parties, legal experts and civil society organisations.
As developments continue to unfold, OGM News NG will monitor official responses from the EFCC, the Osun State Government and other stakeholders regarding the implementation of the President’s directive and its implications for the upcoming governorship election.
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