Tinubu Not Intimidating Opposition in Osun Election, Says Amgbare

Tinubu Not Intimidating Opposition in Osun Election, Says AmgbareThe Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has dismissed allegations of intimidation of opposition parties ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election.Amgbare said President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court and vacate the order freezing Osun State Government accounts demonstrated his commitment to a peaceful and credible election.He argued that the President’s intervention was not aimed at weakening the opposition but at removing any action capable of creating tension or undermining confidence in the electoral process.“President Tinubu is interested in ensuring a hitch-free and credible election in Osun State.“His directive to the EFCC to return to court and vacate the order freezing the state government’s accounts demonstrates that commitment,” Amgbare said.He said the President had no reason to deliberately undermine an opposition-controlled state, stressing that the Federal Government was responsible for ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process.“Whatever political differences may exist, the Federal Government has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process.“The President’s intervention should therefore be seen in that context,” he said.On the circumstances surrounding the freezing of the accounts, Amgbare questioned the political interpretation being attached to the EFCC’s action.He said the anti-graft agency had a statutory responsibility to investigate suspected financial crimes and should not be accused of political interference simply because an investigation occurred close to an election.“The EFCC does not have a political season for carrying out its statutory responsibilities.“If there is a genuine financial investigation, the agency has a duty to act in accordance with the law,” Amgbare said.However, he acknowledged that the timing of such actions could generate suspicion, particularly when they affect an opposition-controlled state shortly before an election.“Where an action by a government agency coincides with a politically sensitive period, people will naturally ask questions.“That is why transparency and strict adherence to due process are important,” he added.