The Accord Party on Friday faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank account, while commending President Bola Tinubu for swiftly directing the anti-graft agency to reverse the action.
The party described the President’s intervention as timely, saying it helped prevent further tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of Accord, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, alleged that the EFCC acted outside its constitutional powers by ordering the freezing of the state government’s account.
He said, “Accord welcomes President Tinubu’s timely intervention in this critical national issue and urges security agencies, anti-graft commissions, the electoral umpire and other democratic institutions to strictly abide by their rules of engagement, statutory duties and democratic ethics.”
Mgbudem alleged that the anti-graft agency’s action heightened public apprehension over the integrity of the forthcoming governorship election, claiming it reinforced fears of an attempt to influence the electoral process.
He said the President’s prompt response demonstrated leadership and helped restore public confidence after what he described as an ill-conceived decision by the commission.
“President Tinubu was deeply embarrassed by the EFCC’s action and ordered the immediate reversal of the directive. We commend him for acting swiftly in the national interest,” he said.
The Accord chairman, however, said the party had lost confidence in the current leadership of the EFCC, insisting that its chairman should resign honourably or be removed from office.
“Having demonstrated unprecedented partisanship in Osun politics and brought the nation to ridicule before the international community, the EFCC chairman should resign. If he fails to do so, President Tinubu should sack him immediately to restore the integrity of the commission,” he stated.
Mgbudem also accused security agencies of failing to adequately protect Accord members in Osun, alleging that several party leaders and supporters had been attacked, harassed and intimidated ahead of the election.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police for deploying a new Commissioner of Police to Osun State, expressing optimism that the move would strengthen security before, during and after the governorship poll.
The party further appealed to President Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate the release of about 60 Accord members allegedly detained in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa states.
Mgbudem urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent governorship election, stressing that the integrity of the poll was critical as it would be the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections.
He also called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial, warning against intimidation, unlawful interference and abuse of state institutions during the electoral process.
The Accord chairman reaffirmed the party’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging the people of Osun State to vote massively for his re-election, saying the governor had delivered transformational leadership and deserved a second term in office.
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