By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts, saying the timing of the action, coming just days before the state’s governorship election, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
In a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, the President said although he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies and had no prior knowledge of the EFCC’s decision, he considered the timing of the action inappropriate and capable of creating the impression that federal institutions were being used to influence the August 15 governorship election.
Tinubu stressed that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities without political interference, insisting that strong democratic institutions are essential for good governance and the rule of law.
He noted, however, that every action taken by a federal institution is often attributed to the Presidency, making it necessary for him to intervene in the overriding public interest.
“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.
While noting that he was yet to be fully briefed on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to obtain the court order, Tinubu maintained that no action should be taken at such a sensitive period that could cast doubt on the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.
Consequently, the President directed the anti-graft agency to return to court without delay to vacate the order and discontinue all legal actions relating to the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring that their operations do not erode public trust or compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Better, let the games begin