The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has frozen an Osun State Government account used for payment of workers’ salaries, just 10 days to the August 15 governorship election.
Documents seen by the state showed that the account domiciled with First Bank was placed on “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The freeze came hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to shut down state government accounts and those of top officials.
In a statement on Wednesday, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the action was an attempt to cripple government operations ahead of the poll.
Adeleke insisted there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts, arguing that the EFCC lacked statutory powers to take such action against a state government.
A government source told Vanguard that the account had already been frozen.
“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.
Adeleke’s administration maintains the action has no legal backing and is aimed at paralyzing governance ahead of the vote.
The EFCC had not issued an official statement. The reason for the restriction was also not disclosed.
Osun goes to the polls on August 15 to elect a new governor.
The timing of the freeze is expected to heighten political tension in the state, with opposition parties likely to seize on the development.
