… State Says Salary Account Affected, Alleges Bid To Cripple Governance
Daud Olatunji
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly placed a restriction on an Osun State Government bank account, barely 10 days before the August 15 governorship election, triggering fresh political tension in the state.
The affected account, domiciled with First Bank and reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was said to have been placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.
The development came days after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze state government accounts and those belonging to some top government officials ahead of the election.
Reacting to the reported action, the Osun State Government described the move as an attempt to disrupt governance and create uncertainty in the build-up to the poll.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the restriction was capable of affecting government operations, particularly the payment of salaries and other statutory obligations.
Governor Adeleke also maintained that the anti-graft agency had no legal authority to freeze the account of a state government, insisting there was no lawful basis for such action.
A source close to the state government, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, confirmed that the restriction had already taken effect.
“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.
The source added that the account allegedly affected is one used for the payment of workers’ salaries, although the state government has yet to disclose the full implications of the restriction.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued any official statement confirming or denying the action, while the reason for the alleged account restriction remained unclear.
The latest development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress are expected to battle for control of the state.
Efforts to obtain the EFCC’s reaction were unsuccessful as the commission had yet to publicly comment on the reported freezing of the account.
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