President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately lift the restriction placed on the Osun State Government account, describing the development as deeply embarrassing and stressing that government institutions must always operate within the bounds of fairness, due process, and the rule of law.
According to the report, the President expressed concern over the timing and implications of the account freeze, particularly as it generated widespread public debate and raised questions about the relationship between the Federal Government and the Osun State Government.
Tinubu was said to have emphasized that while anti-corruption agencies must remain independent in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, their actions should not create the impression of political interference or unnecessary disruption of legitimate government activities. He reportedly maintained that investigations into allegations of financial misconduct should follow established legal procedures without hindering the delivery of essential public services.
The President was also said to have directed relevant authorities to ensure that the restriction on the account was lifted without delay, allowing the Osun State Government to continue meeting its financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries, execution of ongoing projects, and other statutory responsibilities.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the President viewed the development as one capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions and therefore insisted that any concerns relating to financial transactions should be addressed through lawful investigative processes rather than measures that could negatively affect governance.
The directive is expected to ease concerns among public workers, contractors, and residents of Osun State who had expressed worries over the possible impact of the account restriction on government operations.
While the EFCC has continued its mandate of investigating financial crimes across the country, the reported presidential intervention underscores the need to balance anti-corruption efforts with the uninterrupted functioning of democratic institutions and public administration.
At the time of the report, the Osun State Government was expected to resume normal financial operations following compliance with the directive.