President Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate Order Freezing Osun State Government Accounts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate the court order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government, stressing the need to safeguard public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President said he became aware that the EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While affirming the Commission’s statutory independence and acknowledging its mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption without political interference, Tinubu expressed concern over the timing of the action.
The President noted that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, professionally and without fear or favour, maintaining that strong democratic institutions are essential to good governance and the rule of law.
He, however, observed that every action taken by federal institutions is often perceived by the public as reflecting the position of the Presidency, even where he had no prior knowledge of such actions.
President Tinubu said that although he was yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the EFCC’s decision to obtain the court order, he considered its timing inappropriate, given the proximity of the Osun State governorship election.
According to him, no action should create the impression that any federal institution is being used to influence or interfere with the electoral process.
In the interest of preserving the integrity, credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s democracy, the President directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action instituted against the Osun State Government.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring that all government actions are guided by the rule of law, fairness and the overriding public interest.
President Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate Order Freezing Osun State Government Accounts