President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government's bank account, saying the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was not questioning the EFCC's legal powers or anti-corruption mandate, stressing that he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their responsibilities independently, without fear, favour or political interference.
Tinubu, however, said he was deeply concerned that the court order was obtained just days before the Osun governorship election, noting that every action taken by a federal institution is often attributed to the Presidency, whether or not he had prior knowledge of it.
He said no action should create the impression that the EFCC or any other federal agency is being used to influence the outcome of the election.
"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 President said preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of the electoral process is in the overriding public interest, adding that he felt compelled to intervene despite not being fully briefed on the facts behind the EFCC's investigation.
Tinubu therefore directed the EFCC to immediately discontinue its action against the Osun State Government in relation to the account freeze and return to court to vacate the order.
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