President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate an order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday from the State House, the President stated that while he was not opposed to the commission carrying out its lawful responsibilities, he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the move because actions of federal institutions are often perceived as being carried out on his instruction, even when he has no prior knowledge of them.
Tinubu reiterated his longstanding policy of allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, free from political interference.
He said he had deliberately avoided directing the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies since assuming office, insisting that strong democratic institutions operating within the law remain essential to good governance and the rule of law.
The President explained that although he had yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order, he believed the action came at an inappropriate time, with Osun State only days away from its governorship election.
According to him, no action should create the impression that any federal agency is being used to influence the electoral process.
He said preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process made it necessary for him to intervene, despite his commitment to institutional independence.
Tinubu therefore directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government, describing the decision as being in the overriding public interest and aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the upcoming election.
