Makinde Condemns Alleged Use Of Federal Institutions Against Opposition States

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has condemned what he described as the increasing use of federal institutions to undermine governance in opposition-controlled states, insisting that the rule of law must take precedence over political interests.

Makinde made the remarks in a statement shared on his official Facebook page, where he criticised the alleged freezing of the Osun State Government’s official account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the action as politically motivated.

According to the governor, while no government should be exempt from investigation, anti-graft agencies must carry out their responsibilities impartially and within the confines of the law.

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

Makinde further argued that the anti-graft agency lacked the legal authority to freeze a state government’s official account without due legal process, alleging that the move was intended to influence the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

“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. 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.”

The governor called on federal institutions to uphold constitutional principles by carrying out their mandates with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality.

He also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments, warning against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions.

“Federal institutions must remain faithful to their constitutional mandate by acting with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality at all times. We therefore call on all Nigerians, civil society organisations 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.”

Makinde’s comments come amid growing political tensions ahead of the Osun State governorship election.