EFCC’s Freeze of Osun Salary Account Sparks Outrage as GOMEP-NG Seeks Election Postponement

With just days to the Osun governorship election, a fresh controversy has erupted after reports that the EFCC froze a state government account allegedly used for workers’ salaries. The development has triggered concerns over its impact on governance, public confidence and the credibility of the forthcoming election, prompting GOMEP-NG to demand urgent clarification and even a postponement of the poll.

A major political controversy has erupted in Osun State after reports emerged that the EFCC froze a government account allegedly used for workers’ salaries. As tensions rise ahead of the governorship election, GOMEP-NG is demanding answers, warning that the development could affect public confidence and the credibility of the electoral process.)

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has condemned the reported freezing of an Osun State Government account by the EFCC ahead of the governorship election. The organisation described the timing as troubling, urged the anti-graft agency to clarify the legal basis for the action, and called on INEC to consider postponing the election to protect public confidence and ensure a level playing field.
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ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has condemned the reported freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the development as disturbing and capable of undermining public confidence ahead of the state’s governorship election.

In a statement jointly signed by the Guild’s President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, and National Secretary, Mr. Clinton Uba, the organisation expressed concern over reports that the affected account, domiciled with First Bank, is allegedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries.

According to the Guild, although it firmly supports the fight against corruption and believes that no individual or institution should be above the law, anti-corruption agencies must ensure that every action is guided by due process, fairness and transparency, especially during politically sensitive periods.

GOMEP-NG warned that the reported restriction on the account could disrupt essential government functions, particularly the payment of salaries and other statutory obligations, while also creating anxiety among workers and residents.

“It is important that anti-corruption agencies carry out their constitutional responsibilities in a manner that does not undermine public confidence or create perceptions of political interference. The timing of such actions is as important as the actions themselves,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the Guild called on the EFCC to publicly explain the legal basis for the reported freezing of the account and to ensure that any investigation is conducted strictly within the provisions of the law without unnecessarily affecting innocent workers or the delivery of public services.

The organisation also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider postponing the Osun State governorship election. It argued that the recent development has raised questions about whether all political parties are operating under equal conditions.

According to GOMEP-NG, the credibility of any democratic election depends not only on peaceful voting but also on an environment that inspires confidence, fairness and equal opportunity for all contestants.

The Guild further condemned any institution or individual allegedly using the name or authority of the Federal Government in a manner capable of creating fear, tension or public unrest.

It stressed that public institutions must discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality and accountability, noting that Nigerians deserve transparency and fairness from every arm of government, particularly during election periods.

Finally, GOMEP-NG appealed to all stakeholders to remain committed to democratic principles, respect due process and work towards ensuring peace, stability, credible elections and good governance.
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