RismadarVoice Reporters, August 6, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s account.
The directive follows widespread criticism that greeted the anti-graft agency’s decision to freeze the state’s account with First Bank, barely 10 days before the Osun State governorship election.
The EFCC’s action sparked outrage among opposition politicians and civil society groups, who alleged that federal institutions were being used to undermine Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the EFCC’s action.
The President clarified that his concern was not with the commission’s constitutional mandate or the court order authorising the action, but with the perception created by the timing of the move.
Tinubu explained that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge or involvement.
He reiterated his commitment to preserving the operational independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stressing that his administration has consistently avoided political interference in their activities.
According to the President, institutions established by law must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities professionally, independently and in accordance with due process.
However, he noted that the circumstances surrounding the freezing of the Osun government’s account had created an unfortunate public perception capable of undermining confidence in the neutrality of federal institutions.
To address the situation, Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to set aside the order freezing the account and discontinue all related actions against the Osun State Government.
