Tinubu orders EFCC to unfreeze Osun government accounts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its governorship election.
The President also instructed the anti-graft agency to discontinue all related proceedings connected to the account freeze.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, Tinubu expressed concern that although the EFCC acted within its legal mandate by obtaining a court order, the development could create the perception of federal interference in the electoral process because of its proximity to the election.
The President reiterated his commitment to preserving the operational independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stressing that his administration does not interfere with their investigations or day-to-day activities.
He, however, maintained that actions capable of undermining public confidence in the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election should be avoided, emphasizing the need for all federal institutions to conduct themselves in a manner that safeguards the integrity and transparency of the democratic process.
The directive comes just days before Osun voters head to the polls to elect a new governor, with the Presidency seeking to prevent any action that could fuel allegations of political interference or compromise confidence in the electoral process.