President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately lift the freeze placed on the Osun State Government’s bank account, following widespread criticism and growing political tension ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The presidential directive comes barely a day after the anti-graft agency froze the state’s account over an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of about N11 billion in public funds. The move had sparked sharp reactions from the Osun State Government, which accused the commission of attempting to cripple governance and influence the political climate ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
According to reports, President Tinubu intervened after receiving briefings on the development and ordered the EFCC to reverse the action to ensure the uninterrupted running of government activities in Osun State.
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The directive is expected to restore access to the state’s finances while allowing the anti-corruption agency to continue its investigation through other lawful means.
Earlier, the EFCC had defended the freezing of the account, insisting that the action was a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding public funds allegedly linked to suspected financial misconduct. The commission maintained that its decision was not politically motivated and had no connection with the forthcoming governorship election.
The Osun State Government had condemned the action, describing it as an abuse of power capable of disrupting the payment of salaries, execution of projects and other essential government functions.
The latest intervention by the President is expected to ease tensions between the federal authorities and the Osun State Government, while attention shifts to the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial infractions.
