By Sunday Apah
In a dramatic and unexpected turn, President Bola Tinubu has issued a direct order to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), compelling them to immediately vacate the court order that froze the accounts of the Osun State Government.
This unprecedented presidential intervention has sent ripples through the political landscape, occurring mere days before the state’s critical gubernatorial election.
President Tinubu, in a powerful statement released by the State House on Thursday, articulated his profound personal embarrassment.
His concern was not directed at the EFCC’s legitimate exercise of its mandate, but rather at the unfortunate timing of its action. “It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government,” the President stated.
“I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action.”
The EFCC had initially secured the freezing order as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties involving the Osun State Government.
The anti-graft agency had previously defended its actions, asserting its legal authority to restrict accounts suspected of being linked to financial crimes.
However, President Tinubu highlighted that actions undertaken by federal institutions are frequently attributed to him, regardless of his prior knowledge or involvement.
He reaffirmed his consistent position on the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stating, “Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference.”
Despite his staunch belief in institutional autonomy, the President felt compelled to intervene due to the imminent Osun governorship election.
“While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene,” Tinubu explained.
He emphasized the crucial need to avoid any perception that federal agencies are being manipulated to influence the electoral process.
The President concluded by stating that his directive was issued in the overriding public interest, aimed at safeguarding public confidence and preserving the integrity, credibility, and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process. He has unequivocally ordered the EFCC to discontinue its action against the Osun State Government and immediately vacate the freezing order.
This development unfolds amidst an ongoing dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC, with the state government vehemently denying allegations of financial misconduct.
