By Tosin Precious Adeniran
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to freeze a bank account belonging to the Osun State Government, insisting that the action was taken to protect public funds allegedly at risk of being diverted, even as Governor Ademola Adeleke described the move as unlawful and politically motivated.
The anti-graft agency said the restriction placed on the state’s account forms part of an ongoing investigation into the management of public funds and should not be interpreted as a political action.
According to the Commission, the account was frozen in line with its statutory mandate to prevent the diversion of public resources while investigations are underway.
The EFCC maintained that its preventive powers allow it to take steps to safeguard government funds where there are reasonable grounds to suspect possible financial misconduct.
The Commission said the measure was intended to preserve public assets pending the conclusion of investigations, stressing that its operations are guided strictly by the law and are not influenced by political considerations.
It added that the action was necessary to ensure that taxpayers’ money remains protected while investigators complete their work, noting that the agency remains committed to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption at all levels of government.
The development has, however, sparked a sharp reaction from the Osun State Government, which accused the EFCC of attempting to cripple governance barely days before the state’s governorship election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the freezing of the account, describing it as an abuse of power and a deliberate attempt to frustrate his administration.
He argued that the action could disrupt essential government activities, including the payment of workers’ salaries, execution of ongoing projects and delivery of basic services to residents.
The governor insisted that his administration has operated transparently since assuming office and has nothing to hide, adding that if there are allegations requiring investigation, they should be pursued without paralyzing the finances of the state government.
Adeleke also questioned the timing of the action, coming less than two weeks before the August 15 governorship election, saying it raises concerns about possible political interference.
He directed the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately challenge the account freeze in court, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of the state.
The governor assured civil servants, pensioners and residents that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its obligations despite the latest development, while urging the people to remain calm and law-abiding.
The face-off between the EFCC and the Osun State Government has further heightened political tension in the state ahead of the governorship poll, with both sides standing firmly by their positions.
While the EFCC insists that the account restriction is purely an anti-corruption measure aimed at protecting public funds, the Adeleke administration maintains that the action is unjustified and capable of undermining democratic governance.
