President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order that led to the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank account.

The EFCC had on Wednesday secured a court order freezing the state’s account with First Bank, just ten days before the Osun State governorship election. The action sparked widespread criticism, with opposition figures and concerned Nigerians alleging that federal institutions were being used to influence Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.

In a statement titled “President Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate the Court Order Freezing Osun Government Account,” issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the timing of the agency’s action.

President Tinubu explained that although the EFCC acted within its legal mandate and obtained a valid court order, the public often attributes the actions of federal institutions directly to the President, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.

He reiterated his commitment to the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stressing that since assuming office, he has deliberately avoided interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies.

According to the President, democratic institutions must be allowed to perform their statutory responsibilities professionally, without fear, favour or political interference, as this is essential for good governance and the rule of law.

To address concerns surrounding the development, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all legal actions against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.