President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), instructing the immediate vacating of the court order that has resulted in the freezing of the accounts belonging to the Osun State Government.
This directive is deemed essential for the preservation of public confidence and the maintenance of the integrity, credibility, and fairness of the democratic process in the lead-up to the upcoming governorship election in the state.
The President issued a statement to State House Correspondents on Thursday, emphasising that with the gubernatorial election in Osun imminent, no actions taken by any federal institution must give the impression that the Federal Government or itAgencies are attempting to influence the electoral process.
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President Tinubu articulated that, although he was not informed in advance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to seek a court order on August 5, he felt a significant sense of embarrassment regarding the timing of this action. He emphasised that decisions made by federal institutions are frequently attributed to the President, thereby impacting his administration’s public perception.
“As President, I am committed to allowing institutions of State to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for any prior approval. Indeed, that is why institutions are set up by law with clearly defined powers. 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.
“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.
“Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue inconsonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process,” President Tinubu added.
President Tinubu emphasised that, since taking office, he has consistently permitted anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to fulfil their statutory duties independently, professionally, and without political interference.
He underscored the importance of strong democratic institutions operating within the framework of the law as essential to good governance and the maintenance of the rule of law.
The President further stated that he has deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies, maintaining that institutions established by law should exercise their clearly defined powers without requiring presidential approval.
President Tinubu acknowledged that he had not yet received comprehensive details regarding the EFCC’s decision to pursue the freezing order.
He expressed concern that the timing of this action has necessitated his intervention in the interest of public welfare.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
