Group hails Tinubu’s directive on Osun accounts, says it strengthens democracy
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take legal steps to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Comrade Michael Popoola Ajayi, Nelson Ekujumi and Gbenga Soloki, the group described the president’s intervention as a demonstration of his commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, institutional independence and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
DGGWI said Tinubu’s concern over the timing of the EFCC’s action, coming ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, reflected statesmanship and placed national interest above partisan considerations. It added that the President’s position reinforced public confidence in the neutrality of the Federal Government regarding the forthcoming election.
The group noted that while the president reaffirmed the independence of anti-corruption agencies, he also emphasised that public institutions should carry out their lawful responsibilities without creating unnecessary political tension or undermining confidence in the electoral process.
According to the statement, Tinubu’s directive sends a strong message that the outcome of the Osun governorship election should be determined solely by the will of the electorate and not by actions capable of conferring undue advantage or disadvantage on any political actor.
DGGWI also praised the EFCC for its anti-corruption efforts and urged the commission to continue discharging its constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, fairness, transparency and sensitivity to the prevailing democratic environment.
“As Nigerians, we must continue to strengthen our institutions while ensuring that the nation’s democratic processes remain transparent, credible and free from every appearance of undue influence,” the statement read.
The group called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral officials and citizens to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly before, during and after the governorship election.
