- President Bola Tinubu has ordered the EFCC to unfreeze the Osun State Government’s accounts, saying the timing of the agency’s action, coming days before the governorship election, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
- The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the move as necessary to protect democracy, while others argue it contradicts the President’s stance on the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court and vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, saying he is “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the action just days before the state’s governorship election.
The EFCC had secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts as part of an investigation into alleged financial infractions, including claims that about ₦11 billion in public funds was misappropriated.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu stressed that he was not questioning the EFCC’s constitutional powers to investigate corruption but expressed concern that the timing of the move could create the impression that federal institutions were being used to influence the Osun governorship election.
“I must state that 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.”
The President said he had consistently maintained that anti-corruption agencies should operate independently and professionally without political interference. However, because of the proximity of the election, he ordered the commission to immediately return to court, vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
The directive comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC, with the state denying allegations of financial misconduct while the anti-graft agency insists its investigation is lawful and not politically motivated.
Reactions
Anderson Osasu Clifford:
“Immediately I saw this post, I remembered the Edo adage that says, ‘Who get running nose no dey blow trumpet.’ 😂”
Ebere Chidi:
“Hhhhhhhhh. If he’s not interfering, why give them the directive to vacate the order, this singular action signifies that they are not independently performing their work.”
Sophie Kelly:
“Next is for Tinubu to warn INEC to conduct a free and fair elections.”
Jako Lee:
“My own be say make God just do the needful and take Tinubu from us😂🤲🏾.”
Festus Ukachukwu:
“lol. Who gave them order? Game play.”
Richard Oluseyi Adeyemo:
“Thanks to all who stood up to defend staggering democracy. More to come though.”
Leo Paschal:
“Game man.”
Nzubechukwu Madubuko Okeke:
“Tinubu the merciful….lol.”
Bernard Odey:
“Tinubu never give such order, most of them do this to gain president trust and loyalty but back fire on them. If the EFCC are doing the right thing president don’t have the right to ask an agency mandated by law of the nation to restrain the order.”
Anuli Chukwuka Asiegbu:
“His sin is forgiven.”
Meya Meya:
“Damage control.”
