President Tinubu Insists EFCC Must Remain Independent, Says Election Period Requires Extra Caution Order The Immediate Reopening of Osun State Government Bank Accounts
Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s bank account, saying the action has placed the Presidency in an uncomfortable position ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the President said he was not embarrassed by the EFCC carrying out its statutory mandate, but by the timing of the action, which comes just days before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Tinubu explained that although he had not been fully briefed on the circumstances that led the EFCC to obtain a court order freezing the account, he felt compelled to intervene because actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived by the public as having his direct approval.
The President stressed that since assuming office, he has consistently maintained a policy of non-interference in the operations of anti-corruption agencies, allowing them to carry out their constitutional responsibilities independently, professionally and without political influence.
According to him, strong democratic institutions must be allowed to function within the limits of the law, adding that the independence of law enforcement agencies remains essential to democratic governance and the rule of law.
However, Tinubu noted that with the Osun State governorship election only days away, every federal institution must exercise caution to avoid creating the impression that government agencies are being used to influence the electoral process.
He emphasized that nothing should be done to undermine public confidence in the credibility and fairness of the forthcoming election.
The President’s comments come amid growing controversy over the EFCC’s decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s account.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the action as unconstitutional and directed the state’s Attorney-General to challenge it at the Federal High Court.
The EFCC, however, has defended its decision, maintaining that the restriction was part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.
According to the commission, investigators discovered what they described as suspicious transfers of large sums of money from government accounts into several corporate entities and acted to prevent further movement of the funds while investigations continue.
The anti-graft agency has insisted that its action was purely investigative, lawful and not connected to the forthcoming governorship election.
Meanwhile, the development has continued to generate reactions from political parties, legal practitioners and civil society organisations, with many calling for strict adherence to due process and transparency as the legal battle unfolds.
The controversy is expected to remain a major political issue in the countdown to the Osun State governorship election.
IBN NEWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more official reactions emerge.
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