President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately withdraw the court order freezing the Osun State Government's bank account.

The anti-graft agency had on Wednesday secured a court order to freeze the state's account domiciled with First Bank, just 10 days before the Osun State governorship election.

The development sparked widespread criticism, with opposition parties and other concerned Nigerians alleging that federal institutions were being used to frustrate Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid.

In a statement titled "President Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate the Court Order Freezing Osun Government Account," the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the timing of the EFCC's action, even though the commission was acting within its legal mandate.

The statement, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as saying that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the President, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.

"Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference," the President said.

Tinubu explained that he had deliberately avoided interfering in the operations of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because he believes strong, independent institutions are essential to democracy and the rule of law.

He added that government agencies should be allowed to carry out their lawful responsibilities without requiring presidential approval for every decision.

However, the President said the timing of the action against the Osun State Government was inappropriate and had created unnecessary public concern.

"I have therefore directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard," the statement added.

Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Account

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