President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to vacate the court order that froze the Osun State Government’s bank accounts following widespread public criticism of the agency’s action.
In a statement personally signed by the President, Tinubu expressed disappointment over the timing of the EFCC’s move, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to him, even when he has no prior knowledge of them.
“I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed, not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action,” Tinubu said.
The President stressed that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities independently, without political interference.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu explained that he had deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because he believes that strong democratic institutions are essential to good governance and the rule of law.
“I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law.”
The President added that institutions established by law should ordinarily exercise their statutory powers without requiring presidential approval, emphasizing his commitment to institutional independence.
“As President, I am committed to allowing Institutions of State to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for any prior approval. Indeed, that is why institutions are set up by law with clearly defined powers.”
However, Tinubu said the circumstances surrounding the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts warranted his intervention, directing the EFCC to take immediate steps to vacate the court order. The development follows public backlash over the agency’s action, which sparked concerns about its timing and implications….see more