President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate an order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing the need to safeguard public confidence in the integrity of the forthcoming governorship election.
In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was deeply concerned about the timing of the anti-graft agency’s action, stressing that although he respected the EFCC’s constitutional independence, the move could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the electoral process.
Tinubu clarified that he was not questioning the EFCC’s statutory mandate or the legality of obtaining the court order, but maintained that every action of a federal institution is often attributed to the Presidency, whether or not he had prior knowledge of it.
The President reiterated his long-standing commitment to allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, professionally, and without political interference, noting that he had consistently refrained from directing their operational activities since assuming office.
According to him, strong democratic institutions operating within the confines of the law remain essential to good governance and the rule of law.
While stating that he was yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances that led the EFCC to seek the court order, Tinubu described the timing of the action as “inauspicious,” especially with the Osun governorship election only days away.
He warned that no action should be taken that could give the impression that any federal agency was being used to interfere with the democratic process.
“In the overriding public interest of preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility and fairness of our democratic process, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard,” the President said.
The directive comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the Osun governorship election, with stakeholders calling for a level playing field and strict adherence to democratic principles.
