The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly placed the Osun State Government’s First Bank account on a “Post No Debit” PND, restriction, just 10 days before the August 15 governorship election, a move that has sparked fresh political controversy in the state.
According to reports, the affected account is one of the state’s major operational accounts and is primarily used for the payment of workers’ salaries and other government obligations. The restriction prevents withdrawals and other debit transactions from the account pending further directives.
The development comes days after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of some senior government officials ahead of the governorship election.
Reacting to the reported action, the Osun State Government described the account restriction as an attempt to disrupt government operations and create unnecessary tension in the state before voters’ head to the polls.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor maintained that there was no legal justification for freezing the accounts of a constitutionally elected state government.
According to the statement, the alleged action could hinder the smooth running of government activities, including the payment of salaries, execution of ongoing projects and the delivery of essential public services.
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Adeleke argued that the EFCC does not possess the statutory authority to arbitrarily freeze state government accounts without following due legal process or obtaining the necessary court approvals where applicable.
The governor further alleged that the move was politically motivated and aimed at crippling his administration in the final days leading to the August 15 governorship election, in which he is seeking another term in office.
He called on residents of the state to remain calm and continue supporting democratic institutions, assuring them that his administration would explore all lawful means to protect the state’s financial resources and ensure uninterrupted governance.
The reported account restriction has generated widespread reactions from political observers, labour groups and residents, particularly because the affected account is said to be used for salary payments and other statutory financial obligations.
As of Wednesday evening, the EFCC had not issued an official statement confirming or denying the reported restriction on the account, leaving questions over the circumstances surrounding the action unanswered.
The anti-corruption agency is empowered under Nigerian law to investigate financial crimes, recover proceeds of unlawful activities and seek court orders to freeze bank accounts linked to ongoing investigations. However, it has not publicly disclosed whether the reported action against the Osun State Government is connected to any active investigation.
The latest development adds another layer of political tension ahead of the governorship election, with attention now focused on whether the EFCC will clarify its position and whether the state government will challenge the reported restriction through legal channels.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to conduct the Osun governorship election on August 15, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state. Observers say the controversy surrounding the state’s finances could become a major issue in the final days before the poll.
Diaspora Digital Media
