By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the state Attorney-General to challenge in court the freezing of a state government account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The governor gave the directive following the restriction placed on an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank by the anti-graft agency.

Adeleke, while addressing journalists at the Government House, Osogbo, described the action as a breach of the rule of law and demanded an explanation from the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, on the reason behind the decision.

He called on Nigerians and residents of Osun State to pay attention to the development, describing it as a matter of public concern.

“All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and Nigerians in general why he froze the Osun State Government account and provide evidence to support whatever reason he presents.

“This and other actions being taken against Osun State are turning our democracy into a huge joke,” Adeleke said.

The governor added that he had instructed the Attorney-General to file a suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo to challenge the action.

The EFCC had earlier placed the account, reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, under a “Post No Debit” restriction.

The commission had yet to publicly state the reason for the restriction as of the time of filing this report.