EFCC Restricts Osun Government Account Days to Governorship Election, Adeleke Alleges Plot to Disrupt Poll
Under pressure-Adeleke
By Reporter
Fresh controversy has erupted ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election following reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed a temporary restriction on an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank.
According to reports, the affected account, said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on a “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency, effectively preventing withdrawals from the account.
The development comes just 10 days before the governorship election and follows claims by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state’s accounts as well as those of some senior government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported action as a deliberate attempt to cripple government operations in the build-up to the election.
Adeleke maintained that there was no legal justification for the restriction, insisting that the EFCC lacked the constitutional and statutory authority to unilaterally freeze the accounts of a state government without due judicial process.
The governor warned that any attempt to interfere with the finances of the state at such a critical period could affect salary payments, public services and governance, urging relevant authorities to refrain from actions capable of escalating political tensions.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not officially responded to the allegations or confirmed the reported restriction on the account.
The latest development adds to growing political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which is expected to be keenly contested.
The campaign has been marked by accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), with both sides raising concerns over alleged attempts to influence the electoral process.
Political observers say the reported restriction of a government account so close to election day is likely to deepen controversy and fuel fresh debates over the role of federal institutions during elections.
Security agencies have repeatedly assured residents of adequate protection before, during and after the poll, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to conduct a free, fair and credible election.
With less than two weeks to the election, attention is now focused on whether the reported financial restriction will be lifted and what impact the unfolding controversy could have on the political atmosphere in Osun State.
