Makinde Blasts EFCC, Says Osun Account Freeze Was Politically Motivated

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused the Federal Government of using agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to target opposition-controlled states, describing the restriction placed on an Osun State Government account as politically motivated.

Makinde made the allegation in a post shared on his official account on Thursday while reacting to the EFCC’s decision to restrict access to the state’s statutory allocation account.

According to the governor, the growing use of federal institutions against opposition administrations poses a threat to democratic governance and public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.

While acknowledging that public officials and governments should be subject to legitimate scrutiny, Makinde argued that anti-corruption investigations must be conducted impartially and not in a manner that suggests political bias.

He warned that selective investigations could erode public trust in agencies established to uphold accountability and fight corruption.

The governor maintained that any investigation involving public funds should be carried out transparently, professionally and strictly within the confines of the law.

Makinde also questioned the legality of restricting a state government’s account without what he described as proper judicial authorisation, arguing that such actions could disrupt governance and hinder the delivery of essential public services.

He insisted that even where suspicious financial transactions are being investigated, law enforcement agencies must comply with constitutional and legal procedures.

The Oyo governor further linked the timing of the restriction to the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, alleging that the action could be interpreted as an attempt to weaken the incumbent administration ahead of the poll.

Makinde, however, did not provide evidence directly connecting the Federal Government to the EFCC’s decision.

The anti-graft agency has maintained that the temporary restriction followed suspicious financial activities detected during an ongoing investigation into the management of state funds.

Calling for institutional independence, Makinde urged federal agencies to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality.

He also appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, stressing that the rule of law must always take precedence over political considerations.