Politics
“I’m Embarrassed By Timing,” Tinubu Orders EFCC To Vacate Osun Account Freeze
maintained that its timing was “inauspicious.”
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate a court order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government, saying he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the agency’s action just days before the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued from the State House, the President said although the EFCC acted pursuant to a court order obtained on August 5, 2026, he felt compelled to intervene because every action of a federal institution is often attributed to him.
“It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. 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 said.
The President reiterated that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, without fear, favour or political interference.
“I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law,” he said.
Tinubu, however, said he was yet to be fully briefed on the facts that informed the EFCC’s decision to obtain the order but maintained that its timing was “inauspicious.”
“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 declared.
The President said preserving public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the democratic process made it necessary for him to act.
“Accordingly, 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,” Tinubu said.
