President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seek a court order lifting the freeze placed on Osun State Government accounts.
The directive comes amid controversy over the EFCC’s action, which occurred just days before the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his concern was not about the EFCC’s legal mandate but the timing of the move. He noted that actions taken by federal agencies are often linked to the presidency, even without his prior knowledge.
The President reiterated his commitment to allowing anti-corruption agencies to operate independently, without political interference. However, he stressed that actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process must be avoided.
With the Osun governorship election imminent, Tinubu warned that the development could create the impression of federal interference.
“In the interest of preserving the integrity, credibility, and fairness of the democratic process, the EFCC must immediately approach the court to vacate the order,” he said.
He added that further actions against the Osun State Government related to the matter should be discontinued.
