President Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government Account
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately proceed to court to vacate the order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. The directive was issued on August 6, 2026, via a State House statement from Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, and is rooted in concerns over the timing of the EFCC’s action, which came just days before Osun State’s gubernatorial election.
Statement from the Presidency
According to the official statement, the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. President Tinubu expressed deep embarrassment over the development, not because of the EFCC’s lawful exercise of its mandate, but because of the timing. He noted that every action taken by an institution of state, especially at the federal level, is credited to him as President, even when he has had no prior knowledge of it.
President’s Longstanding Commitment to Institutional Independence
The President reiterated that since assuming office, he has consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, and without fear or favour or political interference.
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He has deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency, because he firmly believes that strong democratic institutions operating within the confines of the law are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law.
President Tinubu affirmed his commitment to allowing institutions of state to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for prior approval. He acknowledged that institutions are established by law with clearly defined powers.
Rationale for Intervention: Election Timing and Public Interest
While the President is yet to be fully apprised of the facts that informed the EFCC’s action in approaching the court, he expressed no doubt that the timing was inauspicious. Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election, and the President stressed that nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or any other federal agency is being used to interfere with the election. He stated that he feels compelled to intervene based on the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of the democratic process.
Consequently, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to proceed to court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard.
The statement concluded with a tribute to the nation: “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” It was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on 6th August 2026.
