Afikuyomi Praises Tinubu's Directive on Osun Accounts as Commitment to Electoral Fairness

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seek the discharge of an order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. Afikuyomi, a longtime associate of the President, described the move as a demonstration of commitment to electoral fairness and constitutional governance.

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must not only be free and fair but must also be seen to be so.

In a statement, Afikuyomi noted that the President's decision acknowledges the constitutional principle that elections must be perceived as free and fair. He stressed that while the intervention is commendable, constitutional governance requires that even well-intentioned objectives be pursued through appropriate legal channels. The EFCC is a statutory body, and the freezing order was a judicial one.

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the President ensured that the matter remained before the judiciary, where the Constitution requires it to be resolved.

By instructing the EFCC to return to court rather than seeking an extra-judicial resolution, the President ensured the matter remains within the judiciary's purview, Afikuyomi explained. He highlighted the significance of the separation of powers and institutional independence, stating that these principles are strengthened when government branches respect each other's constitutional responsibilities.

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these principles are strengthened when every arm of government performs its constitutional responsibilities while respecting the authority of others.

Afikuyomi urged that the President's concern for the credibility of the upcoming Osun governorship election should extend to respecting the operational independence of investigative agencies and the constitutional authority of the courts. He called on all stakeholders involved in the election, including various security agencies, the electoral commission, and political parties, to draw inspiration from the President's commitment to protecting the democratic process and ensuring that elections reflect the freely expressed will of the Nigerian people.

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unequivocal commitment to protecting the democratic process.