Tinubu Orders EFCC to Unfreeze Osun State Government Accounts
The Story
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to lift the freeze on the Osun State Government's accounts. Tinubu stated on Thursday that while he does not oppose the EFCC's use of its statutory powers, the timing of the action was embarrassing. He indicated he had not been fully informed of the facts leading to the EFCC's decision but felt compelled to intervene. The EFCC had frozen the state government's accounts on August 5. The Accord Party accused the commission of exceeding its mandate and stated the action threatened public confidence in democratic institutions. The timing of the EFCC's action has drawn criticism, with some questioning the commission's independence following the president's directive. One perspective, voiced by Adebayo, suggests President Tinubu, rather than the EFCC chairman, should resign due to the directive reversing the freeze. Conversely, Afikuyomi commended Tinubu's intervention regarding the Osun accounts. Tinubu personally signed the statement announcing his order to vacate the freeze. The president expressed embarrassment over the timing of the EFCC's action on the Osun state bank account, noting he was yet to be fully apprised of the facts that informed EFCC’s action.
The Spread
What they agree on
- President Bola Tinubu ordered the EFCC to unfreeze the Osun State Government's accounts.
- The EFCC had previously frozen the Osun State Government's accounts.
- President Tinubu stated that the timing of the EFCC's action was embarrassing.
- Tinubu indicated he felt compelled to intervene in the matter.
Where they split
- TheCable frames Tinubu's directive as raising questions over the EFCC's independence.
- Vanguard Nigeria reports Adebayo backing the EFCC chairman and blaming Tinubu.
- Vanguard Nigeria also reports the Accord Party criticizing the EFCC's action as exceeding its mandate.