‘I’m embarrassed by timing of EFCC action on Osun govt account - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has voiced his embarrassment regarding the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) action to freeze the Osun state government's bank account. While acknowledging the EFCC's mandate and the court order obtained, Tinubu emphasized that the agency's move was "inauspicious."

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I must state that 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.

Tinubu stated that actions taken by federal institutions are always associated with him as President, even without his prior knowledge. He indicated he was not yet fully informed about the facts leading to the EFCC's decision but felt compelled to intervene due to the timing. He noted that Osun state is days away from its gubernatorial election, and such actions could create the impression of federal interference.

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This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action.

The President reiterated his commitment to allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, professionally, and without political interference. He has deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in their operational activities, believing that strong, law-abiding institutions are essential for good governance and the rule of law.

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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.

The EFCC froze the state government's account, citing an investigation into the alleged diversion of approximately N11 billion in public funds. The agency insisted its action was unrelated to the state's upcoming governorship election. It claimed investigators uncovered an unusual pattern of fund transfers from government accounts to various corporate entities, arguing that allowing these transactions to continue would amount to negligence while public money was allegedly being siphoned off. Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party, and the African Democratic Congress have criticized the EFCC's move, with the governor instructing his Attorney-General to challenge it in court.

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EFCC, insisted the action was aimed at stopping the alleged diversion of about N11 billion in public funds under investigation and was not connected with the state’s forthcoming governorship election.