Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has condemned the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the action was part of a pattern of using federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition-controlled states.
Makinde stated this in a message posted on his official X handle on Thursday, insisting that while no government or public office holder should be above scrutiny, law enforcement agencies must operate with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality.
The EFCC had reportedly obtained a court order freezing Osun State Government accounts days before the state’s governorship election.
Reacting to the development, Makinde said the use of institutions such as the EFCC to target specific states or individuals could undermine public confidence in such agencies.
“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 argued that freezing an official state government account without due legal process exceeded the powers granted to the EFCC under Nigerian law.
He also questioned the timing of the action, suggesting that it could influence the outcome of the forthcoming Osun 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,” Makinde stated.
He called on federal institutions to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities by ensuring fairness, professionalism and political neutrality in the discharge of their duties.
Makinde also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant, warning that democracy cannot thrive where institutions are perceived as tools for 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 added.
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