EFCC Timed Osun Account Freeze Poorly, Says Accord Party Chairman

The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Victor Akande, has faulted the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s account, describing the action as ill-timed and capable of undermining public confidence ahead of the governorship election.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Akande stressed that while the EFCC has the constitutional responsibility to investigate allegations of corruption, carrying out such a sensitive action just days before an election was inappropriate.

“The timing of EFCC freezing the account of Osun State Government is wrong,” Akande said.

He explained that the timing had created unnecessary suspicion among members of the public, with many questioning the motive behind the commission’s action.

“We are not saying the EFCC should not carry out its responsibilities, but why a few days to the election? They gave room for the public to have misconceptions, and that is what is happening,” he stated.

Akande also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the matter, arguing that the President, as the country’s Chief Security Officer, has a responsibility to ensure that government agencies act in ways that do not threaten public confidence or the democratic process.

“It is the duty of the President as Chief Security Officer to call any agency to order,” he said.

The Accord Party chairman further argued that the EFCC’s action portrayed Nigeria negatively and could easily be interpreted as an attempt to influence the political atmosphere ahead of the election.

“What the EFCC did put the country in a bad light and seemed like a threat to democracy because of the timing of the action,” Akande added.

The controversy continues to generate debate among political stakeholders, with opinions divided over whether the EFCC’s decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s account was a legitimate anti-corruption measure or an ill-timed action capable of affecting the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.