Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Alleged EFCC Plan to Freeze State Accounts
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over an alleged plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to freeze the bank accounts of the state government.
The governor made this known through a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
According to the statement, the governor received credible reports that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze all Osun State Government accounts.
Adeleke also alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the accounts of top government functionaries, a move he said would disrupt government operations in the days leading to the governorship election.
The governor, who is running for a second term, described the alleged plan as “the height of lawlessness.” He maintained that any attempt to freeze the state’s accounts would be aimed at paralysing government activities before residents go to the polls on August 15.
The governor further argued that there is no legal basis or justification for such an action, declaring that the anti-graft agency lacks the legal powers to freeze the account of a state government.
He warned that the reported move, if carried out, would amount to an abuse of power and could undermine the smooth running of government business during a critical period in the state.
Adeleke also described it as an emerging threat to the administration’s ability to function ahead of the election.
The governor’s allegation comes a day after he appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene over alleged killings, intimidation and illegal detention of residents in the state.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke warned that the people of the state would resist any attempt to rig the election, urging the President to prevent a repeat of the electoral violence witnessed in the old Western Region.
“Osun is bleeding,” the governor said, alleging that some residents had been killed while others were being intimidated or detained illegally.
“Mr President, something is happening in Osun State that you need to know. Our people are being killed on a daily basis. Elements within the police are aiding APC thugs to kill our people,” Adeleke alleged.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued any public statement reacting to the governor’s allegations. The development has added to the growing tension in the state as the governorship election draws near, with both the ruling party and the opposition trading accusations over the conduct of security agencies and the preparation for the polls.
The governor’s claims have also raised questions about the role of federal agencies in state affairs, particularly during election periods. Adeleke’s appeal to the President underscores the high stakes involved, with both sides determined to secure victory.
