By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has strongly condemned the alleged freeze of the Osun State Government account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the action as an attempt by federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition-led states.
Taking to his X handle on Thursday, the governor expressed grave concern over what he described as the growing misuse of federal agencies for political intimidation.
Makinde noted that while public office holders and state governments must remain subject to accountability, anti-graft agencies should not be converted into instruments for targeting political opponents.
“The increasing use of federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition states in Nigeria is condemnable.
As I said in my last newsletter, no government is above scrutiny but when institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are utilised to witch hunt specific states or public office holders, it indicates that their investigations are selective and erodes public trust in these institutions,” Makinde stated.
He further faulted the legality and political timing of the anti-graft agency’s action against the Osun State Government.
“The ‘freezing’ of an official state government account without due legal process goes beyond the powers vested in the EFCC by the laws of our land. And the timing of the action suggests that this is just another attempt by the federal government to unduly influence the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State,” he wrote.
The Oyo State governor insisted that federal agencies must operate within the ambit of the law and maintain strict political neutrality to preserve public confidence.
“Federal institutions must remain faithful to their constitutional mandate by acting with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality at all times. We therefore call on all Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant,” he urged.
Warning against the dangers of politicizing law enforcement agencies, Makinde stressed that democratic governance cannot survive under atmospheric intimidation.
“Democracy cannot thrive where our institutions are perceived as instruments of political intimidation.
Protecting the independence and credibility of our institutions is essential to preserving public trust and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. The rule of law must prevail over the rule of politics,” he stated.
