President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unfreeze the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, according to multiple sources. The order came after a phone call between Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke, as confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy. The directive appears to have been made ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Osun State.
The move has drawn criticism from political groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which argues that Tinubu’s intervention undermines the independence of the EFCC. ADC has expressed concerns that the agency, which is meant to combat financial crimes, is being used as a tool by the presidency. The party claims the directive exposes a lack of autonomy within the EFCC.
The EFCC had previously frozen the state’s accounts, citing a court order. Tinubu’s order to vacate that order has raised questions about the legal and procedural implications. Some analysts suggest the decision could influence the political dynamics ahead of the election, potentially affecting the credibility of the anti-graft agency.
