Tinubu Moves to Reverse EFCC Freeze on Osun Accounts, Cites Election Concerns

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to vacate the court order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.

The presidential directive comes after public debate surrounding the agency’s decision to freeze the accounts only days before the Osun State governorship election.

A statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was particularly concerned about the timing of the development, stressing that actions taken by federal agencies are frequently perceived by the public as having presidential approval, even when he is unaware of them.

The statement explained that while the President was not questioning the EFCC’s authority to carry out its statutory responsibilities under a valid court order, he believed the timing of the action was inappropriate.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He reiterated that he has consistently refrained from directing or interfering in the day-to-day operations of the EFCC and other investigative and prosecutorial agencies, emphasizing that strong institutions operating within the law remain fundamental to democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

According to Tinubu, state institutions were created by law with defined responsibilities and should be permitted to operate independently.

Although the President said he had not yet been fully briefed on the reasons behind the EFCC’s application for the freezing order, he maintained that the timing of the move raised legitimate concerns.

“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the Federal Government is being used to interfere with the election,” he said.

Tinubu said his intervention was necessary in the overriding public interest to protect public confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of the electoral process.

“Accordingly, 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,” Tinubu stated.

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