I Am Deeply Embarrassed
OpenLife News reports that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to immediately vacate the court order freezing Osun State Government accounts, saying the timing of the action is “inauspicious” with the governorship election days away.
In a statement on Wednesday, the President said while he was not embarrassed by the EFCC exercising its mandate backed by a court order obtained on August 5, 2026, he was concerned about how such actions are perceived.
“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 statement read.
The President reiterated his commitment to institutional independence, noting that since assuming office he has refrained from directing anti-graft agencies.
“Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” he said.
However, he said the Osun situation required intervention to protect public confidence in the electoral process.
“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election,” he stated.
“Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process.”
Directive
Accordingly, the President said: “I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard.”
The EFCC had placed a “Post No Debit” on an Osun Government account reportedly used for salaries. Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier alleged a plot to cripple government activities ahead of the August 15 election.
The EFCC is yet to issue an official statement on the freeze.
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