The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reverse the freezing of Osun State Government’s bank accounts was driven by public outcry, not a voluntary decision by the federal government. The party made this claim in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday. According to ADC, the move reflects growing pressure from citizens and stakeholders who condemned the initial action as unjust and politically motivated.
The freezing of Osun State’s accounts had sparked widespread protests and criticism across Nigeria. Many saw it as an overreach by the federal government, especially since the state government had been operating within legal boundaries. Civil society groups, lawmakers, and opposition parties joined voices demanding the unfreezing of funds, citing constitutional rights and the need for fiscal autonomy. The public backlash intensified through social media, traditional media, and street demonstrations in major cities.
Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized that the reversal came only after sustained national scrutiny and condemnation. “This is not a gesture of goodwill but a response to the loud voice of the people,” he said. He added that the incident underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in governance. The ADC also called on the federal government to respect the financial independence of states under the Nigerian Constitution.
The Osun State Government had previously expressed shock and frustration over the account freeze, which affected critical services and development projects. Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration argued that the funds were essential for salaries, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The sudden restriction led to delays in payments and raised concerns about the impact on public welfare.
President Tinubu’s office did not immediately provide a detailed explanation for the reversal. However, officials have hinted that the decision aligns with efforts to maintain national unity and avoid further unrest. The federal government has maintained that the freeze was part of broader measures to ensure compliance with financial regulations, though critics argue these measures were selectively applied.
As the situation unfolds, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether this marks a shift in how federal-state relations will be managed under the new administration. The ADC believes this episode should serve as a wake-up call for stronger intergovernmental dialogue and adherence to democratic principles. Moving forward, the party urges all levels of government to prioritize the interests of citizens over political agendas.
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