The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the freezing of Osun State’s accounts, describing the move as contradictory and belated.
In a statement jointly signed by Minority Leader Fredrick Agbedi and Caucus Spokesman Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers argued that the President’s order for the EFCC to return to court and vacate the order freezing the state’s accounts came only after widespread public criticism, rather than out of respect for the rule of law.
According to the caucus, the situation reflects a government sending conflicting signals. They pointed to remarks reportedly made by EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren, who stated on national television that the accounts were frozen without a valid court order, while the President later directed the agency to seek the vacation of the same court order.
The lawmakers questioned the inconsistency, asking whether there was truly a court order and whether the President was aware of the actions and statements of his own appointees.
They also alleged that senior presidential aides were among those who initially defended the EFCC’s action before the President’s intervention.
“It is insulting for the President to pretend ignorance. Nigerians are not fools,” the caucus stated.
The opposition lawmakers further claimed that the incident forms part of a wider campaign of intimidation against the Osun State Government by the APC-led Federal Government.
They accused the Federal Government of withholding statutory allocations meant for Osun local governments, describing the action as an attempt to weaken governance in the state ahead of the governorship election.
The caucus also alleged increasing violence involving APC supporters and claimed security agencies had failed to respond effectively. They cited the arrest of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and others as an attack on the state’s institutions.
In addition, the lawmakers criticised the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, alleging that comments made after the Inspector-General of Police’s recent visit reflected partisan bias.
They further accused some of President Tinubu’s appointees of making statements capable of undermining public confidence in the administration.
The Minority Caucus warned against the use of federal institutions for political purposes, insisting that the people of Osun must be allowed to freely elect their leaders without intimidation, coercion or interference.
They maintained that violence, economic pressure and the misuse of government agencies have no place in a democratic society.