EFCC action against Osun threatens democracy, says Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused the Federal Government of deploying federal institutions to undermine opposition-controlled states, alleging that recent actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were politically motivated.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Makinde condemned what he described as the increasing use of federal agencies to disrupt governance in opposition states, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
“The increasing use of federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition states in Nigeria is condemnable,” he said.
Makinde maintained that while no government should be exempt from scrutiny, using anti-graft agencies to selectively target certain states or public office holders erodes public confidence in public institutions.
“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,” he stated.
The governor also criticised the alleged freezing of an official state government account, describing the action as unlawful.
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,” he said.
Makinde further alleged that the timing of the action suggested an attempt to influence the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
“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 added.
He called on federal institutions to remain impartial and discharge their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
“Federal institutions must remain faithful to their constitutional mandate by acting with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality at all times,” Makinde said.
The governor also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant, stressing that democracy cannot flourish where institutions are perceived as tools of political intimidation.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant. 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 said.