EFCC's actions against Osun threaten democracy, says Oyo Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makino has accused the federal government of weaponizing federal institutions to destabilize opposition-controlled states. He specifically pointed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging its recent actions are politically motivated and designed to disrupt governance.

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The increasing use of federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition states in Nigeria is condemnable.

Makinde condemned the "increasing use of federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition states," warning that such tactics threaten Nigeria's democratic fabric. He emphasized that while no government is exempt from scrutiny, selective targeting by anti-graft agencies erodes public trust. "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 stated.

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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 governor further criticized the alleged freezing of an official state government account, deeming the action unlawful and beyond the EFCC's legal powers. He suggested the timing of this action points to an attempt by the federal government to unduly influence the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

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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 urged federal institutions to uphold their constitutional mandates with fairness and political neutrality. He called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to remain vigilant, stressing that democracy cannot thrive when institutions are perceived as tools of political intimidation. "Democracy cannot thrive where our institutions are perceived as instruments of political intimidation," he asserted.

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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.