Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused the federal government of using federal institutions to weaken opposition-controlled states, claiming that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s recent actions were politically motivated.
In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, Makinde decried what he called the growing use of federal authorities to undermine government in opposition states, warning that such activities endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
“The increasing use of federal institutions to disrupt governance in opposition states in Nigeria is condemnable,” he said.
Makinde emphasized that while no government should be exempt from scrutiny, using anti-graft agencies to selectively target certain states or public office holders erodes public confidence in public 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 utilized 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.
The governor also condemned the freezing of an official state government account, describing the action as unlawful.
“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,” he said.
Makinde also said that the timing of the action suggested an attempt to influence the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
“And the timing of the action suggests that the move is just another attempt by the federal government to unduly influence the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State,” he added.
He urged the federal institutions to remain impartial and discharge their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
“Federal institutions must remain faithful to their constitutional mandate by acting with fairness, professionalism, and political neutrality at all times,” Makinde said.
The governor also called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to remain vigilant, stressing that democracy cannot flourish where institutions are perceived as tools of political intimidation.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians, civil society organizations, 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,” he said.
