The Osun State Government has condemned the freezing of its bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the action as unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Adeola Ogungbile, disclosed that officials of the state’s banker, including branch managers, relationship managers and operational staff, had been invited and questioned by security agencies in connection with the investigation.
According to him, several state officials, including accountants and personnel from various ministries, had also honoured invitations from investigators, but no evidence of wrongdoing had been established against the Osun State Government.
“We have not rested because they have been inviting everybody in the accounts department and officials from different ministries for questioning. After all the investigations, they found nothing against the Osun State Government.
Our records reflect prudence and transparency in the management of public funds,” he said.
Ogungbile also dismissed allegations that public funds were being used to finance Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign, insisting that the governor’s popularity was based on his performance in office.
“The re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke is not being funded from the state’s allocation. The support he enjoys is a result of his good work and the confidence the people of Osun have in his administration,” he stated.
The commissioner further argued that the EFCC lacked the legal authority to unilaterally freeze state government accounts, citing Section 24 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and Section 38 of the EFCC Act, 2004.
He maintained that statutory state accounts contain public funds meant for salaries, pensions, healthcare, education, security and other essential government services, adding that any restriction on such funds should only be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his remarks, said the state received a letter from its bank notifying it of the EFCC’s directive to freeze the state’s accounts without obtaining a court order.
“We are in a democracy where the rule of law must prevail. We cannot accept a situation where federal agencies trample on the constitutional rights of subnational governments. This is a threat to democracy,” the governor said.
Adeleke called on the EFCC Chairman to publicly explain the reasons for freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts and provide evidence to justify the action.
“All I ask is for the EFCC Chairman to explain to the people of Osun State and Nigerians why our accounts were frozen and provide proof to support the action. These and other illegalities being visited on Osun State are turning our democracy into a huge joke,” he added.
