The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Amadi argued that the anti-graft agency lacks the legal backing to restrict state funds solely based on the suspicion of potential mismanagement.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Constitutional Spending Rights: Amadi emphasized that state governments possess the constitutional authority to disburse public funds, noting that public officials can be investigated and prosecuted retroactively if concrete evidence of wrongdoing comes to light.

• Questionable Timing: He raised concerns regarding the timing of the enforcement action, suggesting it creates the perception of a political maneuver by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at pressuring Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

• Test of Leadership: While acknowledging the professional reputation and anti-corruption commitment of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Amadi stated that this controversy serves as a critical test of the commission’s independence from political influence.

The EFCC’s Stance

In response to the criticism, the EFCC maintained that its actions are strictly tied to an ongoing investigation concerning alleged financial irregularities and are entirely devoid of political motivation.

Osun State Government counsel Professor Mubarak Adekilekun (SAN) criticized the restriction on the state’s statutory allocation account during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasizing that neither the state nor First Bank received a court order as required by law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Lack of Court Order: Adekilekun stated that First Bank confirmed no court order was attached to the directive when it was forwarded to the state government.

  • Legal Requirements: While acknowledging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) statutory mandate, he argued that imposing a Post-No-Debit (PND) restriction must align with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act rather than relying solely on the chairman’s powers.

  • Source of Funds: He also dismissed money laundering allegations, explaining that the account exclusively receives inflows distributed directly from the Federation Account.

Bashir Ahmad, the National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response for the City Boy Movement and a former presidential aide, has refuted claims that he secured 16 votes in the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election, following a social media post by Afrobeats singer David Adeleke (Davido).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Denial of Figures: Ahmad dismissed the widely circulated 16-vote figure as untrue.

  • Allegations of Irregularities: He maintained that no credible or transparent primary election took place, asserting that the process was compromised and manipulated.

  • Claims of Evidence: Ahmad stated that he possesses verifiable evidence—including videos and other materials—supporting his claims of a rigged process, adding that he intends to share the full story at a later date.