Top headlines Friday morning include President Bola Tinubu directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to vacate its order freezing an Osun State Government account, sparking public criticism of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede amid the state’s upcoming governorship election.
A former sports minister has countered claims over missing rewards from Nigeria’s Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold,, while Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has flagged a severe shortage of about 40,000 doctors in the state.

Also, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission clears the Presidency of wrongdoing in the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council controversy while recommending the prosecution of its promoter.

The recap in full:

Osun account freeze: EFCC boss faces public fury as Tinubu reverses order

President Tinubu has ordered the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freeze on an Osun State Government statutory allocation account and discontinue related action, citing the inappropriate timing so close to the August 15 governorship election.
The directive followed the commission’s restriction of the account over an investigation into alleged diversion of about N11bn in funds.
The move has drawn public calls for the resignation or removal of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, criticism from opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, a lawsuit from the Osun State Government seeking N2bn in damages, and defence of the agency’s action as purely statutory and non-political.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/osun-account-freeze-efcc-boss-faces-public-fury-as-tinubu-reverses-order/

Fake agency probe: ICPC report clears Presidency, indicts embattled DG

ICPC has cleared the Presidency of any involvement or wrongdoing in the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council saga after presenting an interim investigation report to President Tinubu.
The commission found that promoter Adeniyi Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government, that appointment letters and supporting documents were forged, and that no government funds were disbursed to the fake agency.
It recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution along with administrative sanctions against negligent public officers and institutional reforms.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/fake-agency-probe-icpc-report-clears-presidency-indicts-embattled-dg/

Health crisis: Lagos short of 40,000 doctors – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Sanwo-Olu has said the state faces a deficit of about 40,000 doctors and another 40,000 nurses, with its health sector needing at least N100bn above current budgetary provisions to serve its population.
Speaking at the second Eko Health Convention, he noted that the state currently has about 7,000 doctors and that more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
He outlined steps including aggressive recruitment, improved welfare, plans for a University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and deployment of digital platforms to address the gaps.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/health-crisis-lagos-short-of-40000-doctors-sanwo-olu/

FULL LIST: IG deploys new CPs to eight states, other police formations

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to eight state commands and several strategic formations.
The new state CPs are Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo (Abia), Ayodeji Faniyan (Plateau), Saka Adewale Ajao (Bayelsa), Ajo Geoffrey Ordue (Cross River), Nanna Oji Ama (Anambra), Patrick Daaor (Edo), Tani Murtala (Jigawa) and Samuel Erale (Delta).
Additional postings cover the Force Intelligence Department, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Department of Finance and Administration, training institutions and other units.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/full-list-ig-deploys-new-cps-to-eight-states-other-police-formations/

Nwobodo counters Bonfrère over missing Atlanta ’96 gold, land

Former Youth and Sports Minister Jim Nwobodo has rejected claims by Dutch coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo that he was denied promised rewards, including land, and that his Olympic gold medal from leading Nigeria’s Dream Team to victory at Atlanta ’96 was stolen.
Nwobodo said the late General Sani Abacha fulfilled government promises to the team and coach, and that Bonfrère never complained to him during his tenure.
Bonfrère maintains he received neither the land nor proper recognition and that the medal disappeared while in official custody.
Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/nwobodo-counters-bonfrere-over-missing-atlanta-96-gold-land/