CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTIVE ON EFCC'S FREEZING OF OSUN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT
TINUBU'S DIRECTIVE ON OSUN STATE'S FROZEN ACCOUNTS REAFFIRMS HIS COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW AND ELECTORAL FAIRNESS
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) commends the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his principled, courageous and statesmanlike intervention directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take the necessary legal steps to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
The President's directive is a clear demonstration of his unwavering commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, institutional independence and the protection of the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process.
By openly expressing concern over the timing of the EFCC's action, particularly as Osun State prepares for its governorship election, President Tinubu has once again shown that he places national interest above partisan considerations. His intervention reflects the qualities of a true democrat who appreciates that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
We note with satisfaction the President's reaffirmation that anti-corruption agencies should continue to perform their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally and without political interference. This position is consistent with his longstanding commitment to strengthening democratic institutions rather than weakening them through executive control.
At the same time, the President's directive underscores an important principle of democratic governance: while public institutions must carry out their lawful mandates, they must also be conscious of the broader public interest and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary political tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
DGGWI believes that the President's action has reinforced public confidence in the neutrality of the Federal Government regarding the forthcoming Osun State governorship election. It sends a strong message that the electoral contest should be determined solely by the will of the people and not by actions that could be interpreted as conferring undue advantage or disadvantage on any political actor.
We equally commend the EFCC for its unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption and urge 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 Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative therefore calls on all political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral officials and citizens to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly before, during and after the Osun State governorship election.
President Tinubu's intervention is a reassuring affirmation that democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law remain the guiding principles of his administration.
E -Signed:
Comrade Michael Popoola Ajayi
Nelson Ekujumi
Gbenga Soloki
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