Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to reverse the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the action could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Tinubu said although the anti-graft agency acted within its legal powers by obtaining the order, the timing of the move was unfortunate, especially with the Osun governorship poll only days away.
The President noted that he only became aware of the court order after it had been secured, adding that actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived by the public as having presidential backing, whether or not he was involved.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration has maintained a policy of allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities 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, or political interference,” he said.
He explained that while he had not yet received full details of the circumstances that prompted the EFCC’s application, the proximity of the election made it necessary to intervene in the interest of protecting the integrity of the democratic process.
According to the President, no action should create the impression that any federal institution is being used to influence the outcome of the Osun governorship election.
“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 stated.
Tinubu said he had consequently directed the EFCC to return to court to set aside the order and discontinue the action against the 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,” he added.
The President maintained that while government institutions must be allowed to function independently, their actions should also inspire public trust and preserve the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
