Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused the Federal Government of deploying federal institutions to undermine opposition-controlled states. He recently alleged that recent actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Osun State are politically motivated.
Speaking via a press statement shared on his X handle, 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 governor added that while no government should be exempt from scrutiny, using anti-graft agencies to selectively target certain states or public office holders reduces public confidence in public institutions.
His words, “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.
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.
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. 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.”
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