By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately approach the court to vacate the order freezing an Osun State Government account, saying the timing of the action, coming days before the state’s governorship election, could create the impression of federal interference in the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Thursday from the State House, Abuja, the President said he was concerned not about the EFCC’s constitutional mandate or its reliance on judicial processes, but about the political implications of the action at such a sensitive period.
Tinubu said he had consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies should be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally and without political interference.
“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,” the President said.
“I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in their operations.”
He, however, said the proximity of the EFCC’s action to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State made the situation exceptional and required presidential intervention to preserve public confidence in the democratic process.
“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 any federal agency is being used to interfere with the election,” he stated.
Although he said he had yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the court action, Tinubu maintained that its timing was inappropriate.
“While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing is inauspicious, and I feel compelled to intervene,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to the operational independence of public institutions, stressing that agencies established by law must be allowed to perform their statutory functions without seeking prior presidential approval.
“Institutions are set up by law with clearly defined powers. They must function without prior approval. But equally, we must preserve public confidence in our democratic process,” he added.
Tinubu subsequently directed the EFCC to return to court without delay to vacate the order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
“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,” the statement said.
The President’s intervention comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The EFCC had earlier confirmed that it placed a restriction on an Osun State Government account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion and laundering of about ₦11 billion linked to Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Allocation receipts. The Commission maintained that the investigation predates the governorship election and is unrelated to partisan politics.
The action, however, drew sharp criticism from the Osun State Government, opposition figures and several civil society organisations, who argued that the timing could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. The Adeleke administration described the move as politically motivated, an allegation the EFCC has consistently denied.
Tinubu’s directive is expected to ease political tension in the state as preparations intensify for what is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle governorship elections.