President Bola Tinubu has expressed embarrassment over the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to freeze Osun State government’s bank account, just days before the state’s gubernatorial election.
In a statement on X (Twitter), the President said while he supports the EFCC’s independence to fight corruption, the timing of the action was “inauspicious” and could create the impression of federal interference in the electoral process.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He noted that every action taken by a federal institution is often credited to him as President, even when he has no prior knowledge.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to allowing anti-corruption agencies to operate independently, adding that he has deliberately refrained from interfering in their operational activities.
EFCC Defends Action
Meanwhile, the EFCC has defended its decision, insisting that the account freeze was lawful and aimed at preventing the diversion of about N11 billion in public funds under investigation.
EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren rejected claims that the commission required a court order before placing the restriction, citing provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
He maintained that the action was unrelated to the forthcoming Osun governorship election.
Osun Government Reacts
Governor Ademola Adeleke has faulted the EFCC’s move and directed his Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice to challenge the action in court.
The Accord Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), and legal practitioners have also condemned the development, describing it as politically motivated.