APC In ‘Dreadful’ Move As EFCC Freezes Osun Govt Account 10 Days To Election — Adeleke Reacts
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the freezing of the state government’s account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing it as part of a coordinated attempt to cripple government ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Adeleke said the action was taken without a court order and amounted to “the height of lawlessness.”
“You are all aware of the many challenges Osun people and her government have been facing in the last few months,” the governor said.
“You know of the deliberate paralysis of the local government system, the open gun attacks on Osun people and the daily harassment and arrests of Accord members.
“You are aware of constant police raids and arrest of Accord leaders for no reason and without any warrant of arrest. Several Accord members have been killed and 60 accord members have been arrested and taken to Abuja and detained without any charges.
“All these intimidation and attacks were carried out on the order of Gboyega Oyetola over an election his candidate cannot win.”
Adeleke said the state government received a letter from its banker on Wednesday morning, forwarding a directive from the EFCC instructing the bank to freeze the Osun State Government Account.
“As if all these were not enough, this morning, we received a letter from our banker, forwarding a letter from the EFCC, instructing the bank to freeze Osun State Government Account. This action was taken without any court order,” he said.
The governor described the move as a threat to democracy and to the constitutional rights of subnational governments.
“We are supposed to be in a democracy, where the Rule of Law must always prevail. We will therefore, not accept a situation where federal agencies trample on the constitutional rights of subnational governments. This is a threat to our democracy. If we all keep quiet and allow this illegality, very soon, whatever is left of our democracy will be fully eroded.”
*Adeleke Demands Explanation, Heads To Court*
Adeleke called on the EFCC chairman to explain the reason for the freeze and provide proof to back it.
“All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians in general, why he froze Osun State Government Account, and show proof to support whatever reason, he presents,” he said.
“This and all other illegalities being visited on Osun state is turning our democracy into a huge joke.”
The governor said he has instructed the Attorney General to challenge the action at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
“As for me, we are pushing ahead with our campaign,” he added.
The EFCC has not issued any public statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.