The Osun State Government has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of targeting its finances ahead of the August 15 governorship election after one of its bank accounts was reportedly frozen by the anti-graft agency.
The development came after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state's accounts and those of senior government officials in what he described as an attempt to cripple his administration before the poll.
Documents obtained by Vanguard showed that an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank had been placed on "Post No Debit" status by the EFCC. The account is said to be one of those used for the payment of workers' salaries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke said he had received credible intelligence indicating that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze all accounts belonging to the state government.
According to the governor, the alleged move was designed to paralyse government operations in the run-up to the election.
He maintained that there was no legal justification for freezing the accounts of a state government, arguing that the EFCC had no statutory authority to take such action.
"The plan, if true, amounts to the height of lawlessness and is intended to disrupt government activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election," the statement said.
The governor also alleged that the accounts of some top government officials were being targeted as part of the operation.
However, shortly after the allegation became public, a source within the state government confirmed that one of the government's accounts had already been frozen.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the development had moved beyond speculation.
"I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will brief the public shortly on the situation," the source said.
The reported action has heightened political tension in Osun, where Adeleke, the Accord Party's governorship candidate, is seeking a second term against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The governor has repeatedly alleged that his administration is facing political pressure and interference from federal institutions as the election draws closer.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement confirming the freezing of the account or responding to the allegations made by the Osun State Government. The reason for the restriction on the account also remained unclear.
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