The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of abusing its powers by freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
It described the action as politically motivated and an attempt to influence the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Committee, Bamidele Salam, the campaign council said that the anti-graft agency acted outside its statutory mandate by freezing the state’s accounts barely 10 days before the election in which the incumbent governor is seeking re-election.
According to the council, the development could cripple the state’s ability to meet critical financial obligations, including the payment of salaries, pensions, infrastructure projects, security operations and other essential public services.
The campaign described the action as “a brazen abuse of authority” and an attack on the democratic rights of the people of Osun State.
It argued that the timing of the account freeze raises questions about the EFCC’s motives, insisting that the move appears designed to exert economic pressure on the state and its residents ahead of the governorship poll.
The council further said that the action could disrupt essential government programmes, including public health interventions, stressing that public institutions should not be used as political tools.
While reaffirming its support for accountability and the fight against corruption, TICC maintained that anti-corruption efforts must not be used as a cover for political persecution.
The campaign therefore called on the EFCC to immediately lift the restrictions on the state’s accounts to enable the government continue providing essential services to residents.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
