The reported freezing of Osun State Government’s account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), coming just days before the state’s governorship election, is, to say the least, unfortunate. Regardless of the reasons advanced for such an action, the timing has inevitably generated public suspicion and political controversy. In a democracy, institutions entrusted with law enforcement must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial. Any action capable of creating the impression of political interference undermines public confidence in both the electoral process and the institutions of government.

The President also instructed the anti-graft agency to discontinue all related actions connected to the freezing of the state’s accounts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims that it froze all bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government, insisting that it only placed a…