Deadly Blow On Governor
OpenLife News reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has frozen an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, 10 days to the August 15 governorship election.
Documents seen by Vanguard showed that the account, reportedly used for payment of workers’ salaries, was placed on “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The development came hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of top government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported move as an attempt to cripple government activities ahead of the election.
Adeleke maintained that there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of the state government, arguing that the EFCC lacked the statutory powers to take such action.
A source close to the governor, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the account had already been frozen.“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC.
It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the development. The reason for the account restriction was also not immediately known.
The freeze raises concerns about the payment of salaries and other statutory obligations ahead of the election.
Civil servants in the state have expressed worry over possible delays.
Political observers say the timing of the action, just 10 days to the poll, is likely to heighten political tension in the state.
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