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Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
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, citing concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The EFCC secured the court order on August 5, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving the state government, including claims of the misappropriation of ₦11 billion. However, the President said his concern was not with the agency’s legal powers but with the impression the move could create so close to the August 15 governorship election.
According to Tinubu, the timing of the account freeze could fuel public perception that a federal agency was being used to influence the electoral process, potentially weakening confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President explained that although he had not received a full briefing on the details of the investigation, he believed it was necessary to intervene because of the proximity of the election. He reiterated that since assuming office, he has consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies should perform their statutory duties independently, professionally and without political interference.
As a result, Tinubu instructed the EFCC to immediately return to court, vacate the freezing order and discontinue its action against the Osun State Government.
The directive comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC. While the state government has denied any financial wrongdoing, the anti-graft agency insists its investigation is lawful and not driven by political considerations.
Do you think the timing of anti-corruption investigations should be considered during election periods to protect public confidence in the democratic process?
