Amid the growing political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has declared support for Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, accusing the Federal Government of selectively deploying federal institutions against states controlled by opposition parties.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, Makinde condemned what he described as the increasing deployment of federal agencies to disrupt governance in states controlled by opposition parties.
He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Makinde maintained that while no government should be shielded from investigation or accountability, the selective use of anti-corruption agencies against certain states or public office holders undermines public confidence in government 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 said.
The governor also faulted the reported freezing of an official Osun State government account, describing the action as unlawful and beyond the powers conferred on the anti graft agency.
“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,” Makinde stated.
He further alleged that the timing of the action suggested an attempt by the Federal Government to influence the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
“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.
Makinde called on federal institutions to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities by operating with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality.
He also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant in defence of democratic principles.
“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,” the governor said.
The EFCC had earlier defended its decision to place a temporary restriction on one of the Osun State government’s statutory accounts, insisting the action was backed by the provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of public funds.
The commission also disclosed that similar investigations are currently ongoing in 18 states across the country, although it declined to identify the affected states.
Meanwhile, president Tinubu has ordered that the efcc should pull back on its grip on the Osun government account.
