A group of civil society organisations, the Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s intervention directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
In a statement jointly issued by the Conveners of the group, Comrades Michael Popoola Ajayi, Nelson Ekujumi and Gbenga Soloki, the group stated that president’s directive is a clear demonstration of his unwavering commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, institutional independence.
While stating that it has also ensured the protection of the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, the statement added that “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,” the statement reads.
It (the statement) expressed its belief 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,” the statement concluded.
