Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the reported freezing of Osun State Government accounts, describing the action as an abuse of federal institutions and warning against the use of state agencies for political purposes.
In a statement released on Thursday, Makinde said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had overstepped its legal mandate by freezing an official state government account without due legal process.
“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.”
The governor stated that the timing of the action, coming ahead of the Osun State governorship election, raises concerns about possible political interference.
“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.”
Makinde further accused the federal government of using federal institutions to target opposition-controlled states, warning that such actions undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
“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 called on federal institutions to uphold their constitutional responsibilities by operating with impartiality, professionalism and political neutrality.
“Federal institutions must remain faithful to their constitutional mandate by acting with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality at all times.”
The governor also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant in defence of democratic institutions, stressing that democracy cannot flourish where institutions are perceived as tools of political intimidation.
“Democracy cannot thrive where our institutions are perceived as instruments of political intimidation.”
Makinde concluded by emphasizing that preserving the independence and credibility of public institutions is essential to sustaining democracy in Nigeria.
“The rule of law must prevail over the rule of politics.”
Ojo Triumph
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