Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is planning to freeze the state government’s bank accounts ahead of the governorship election scheduled for August 15.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kolapo Alimi, the state’s commissioner for information and public enlightenment, said Adeleke raised the alarm on Tuesday at the Government House in Osogbo.
Alimi further alleged that the anti-graft agency was also considering freezing the accounts of some top government officials in the state.
According to the statement, Adeleke described the alleged move as “the height of lawlessness”, adding that “the plot to freeze the state government accounts is meant to paralyse government activities ahead of the governorship election”.
“The governor affirmed that there is no legal basis or justification for any move to freeze the state government accounts, declaring that the anti-graft agency has no legal powers to freeze the account of a state government,” the statement added.
When contacted for a reaction, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said he would respond later. However, he had not provided a response as of the time of filing the report.
Background
Adeleke is seeking another term in office on the platform of the Accord Party, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is making efforts to regain control of the state after four years in opposition.
The state has recently witnessed renewed political tension, with supporters of both parties involved in clashes as they intensify activities ahead of the election.
At a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area on Monday, Adeleke called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the pre-election violence, warning against a repeat of the 1983 political crisis in the South-West.
He argued that Accord’s recent endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid should encourage the President to help ensure peace in Osun.
The governor said presidential intervention was necessary to prevent the “loss of innocent lives” in the state, adding that “all we are asking for is simply a free and fair election”.