…say President’s directive to EFCC exposes contradictions as caucus alleges pattern of political pressure ahead of governorship poll
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of issuing what it described as a “panicky, belated afterthought” directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of Osun State Government accounts, insisting that the development exposed contradictions within the Federal Government and an alleged attempt to intimidate the state ahead of next week’s governorship election. 
In a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, and the caucus spokesperson, Rep. Afam Ogene, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the lawmakers argued that the President’s instruction directing the anti-graft agency to vacate the order freezing the state’s accounts was prompted by widespread public criticism rather than a commitment to the rule of law.
According to the caucus, the directive revealed what it described as “a government at war with itself.”
The lawmakers pointed to conflicting public statements issued by the EFCC and the Presidency on Thursday.
While EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, reportedly stated during a television interview that the freezing of Osun State’s accounts was carried out “without a valid court order,” the Presidency later directed the commission to approach the court to vacate what it described as an existing order.
“So, which is it? Was there a court order or not?” .
“Is the President not aware of what his own appointees are saying and doing? Has the President lost control to his army of sycophants who behave like lords over the people? Or are they simply trying to hide an illegality that has already been exposed?”, the caucus questioned.
The Minority Caucus further alleged that senior presidential aides were among the first to circulate and defend the EFCC’s initial statement on the matter.
“It is, therefore, insulting for the President to pretend ignorance. Nigerians are not fools,” the lawmakers said.
The caucus maintained that the controversy surrounding the freezing of Osun State’s accounts was only the latest in what it described as a sustained pattern of actions targeting the state.
According to the lawmakers, the Federal Government had, for months, withheld statutory allocations meant for local government councils in Osun State.
“For months, the Federal Government has illegally withheld and seized statutory allocations due to Osun Local Governments. This is economic strangulation aimed at crippling governance at the grassroots ahead of elections,” the statement said.
The caucus also alleged persistent violence by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and what it described as imported thugs, accusing the police of failing to respond appropriately.
It further condemned what it called the “Gestapo-style arrest and detention” of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and others.
According to the lawmakers, the arrests amounted to “a direct attack on the institution of the state government.”
They also criticised the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the outcome of a recent visit by the Inspector-General of Police, particularly allegations that the Osun State Government was harbouring hoodlums within Government House.
“This is not policing. It is partisan propaganda in uniform,” the caucus stated.
The opposition lawmakers further accused some presidential appointees of making what they described as “shocking, unpresidential, and inciting statements” capable of undermining public confidence in the administration.
“The mask is off. Nigerians can now see clearly that the APC has weaponized federal institutions against opposition states – a dress rehearsal of what is to come in the 2027 general elections.
“Yes, Mr. President hails from Osun, but the state can not be a personal fiefdom; he must therefore allow the people to freely choose who governs them.
“The people of Osun should be given the enabling environment to freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, without fear, coercion, or voter apathy engineered by state terror.
“Violence, intimidation, economic sabotage, and the misuse of federal agencies have NO place in a democracy”, it noted.
The caucus warned against any attempt to influence the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election through the use of state institutions.
The lawmakers also called on civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments before, during and after the election, urging them to hold both the APC and the Federal Government accountable for any breakdown of law and order.
“Osun is not a conquered territory. You will not rig this election through EFCC, through the Police, or through thuggery.
“Osun people will vote. Osun people will be protected. And democracy will prevail.” the statement added.
