EFCC timed Osun account freeze wrongly, says Accord Party chairman

The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Victor Akande, has criticised the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s account, describing the move as inappropriate and capable of creating public suspicion ahead of the governorship election.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Akande clarified that he was not opposed to the anti-graft agency carrying out its statutory responsibilities but questioned why the action was taken only a few days before voters head to the polls.

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

According to him, the decision has fuelled public misconceptions about the motive behind the action, especially because of its proximity to the election.

“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 Tinubu’s intervention in the matter, arguing that the President, as the country’s Chief Security Officer, had a responsibility to ensure that the actions of government agencies do not undermine public confidence or democratic processes.

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

The Accord Party chairman further maintained that the EFCC’s action projected Nigeria negatively and risked being interpreted as an attempt to influence the political environment 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.

His comments come amid growing controversy over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s account, with political stakeholders divided over whether the EFCC’s action was a legitimate anti-corruption measure or an ill-timed move capable of affecting the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.