The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate legal steps to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
In a statement 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 democracy, the rule of law, institutional independence and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
DGGWI said the President’s concern over the timing of the EFCC’s action, coming ahead of the Osun State governorship election, reflected his determination to place national interest above partisan considerations.
According to the group, Tinubu’s directive reinforces the principle that while anti-corruption agencies must perform their statutory responsibilities independently, they should also be mindful of actions capable of creating unnecessary political tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The group noted that the President’s position was consistent with his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions rather than subjecting them to executive interference.
DGGWI also said the directive had reinforced public confidence in the Federal Government’s neutrality regarding the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, stressing that the electoral contest should be determined solely by the will of the people.
While commending the EFCC for its anti-corruption efforts, the organisation urged the Commission to continue discharging its constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, fairness, transparency and sensitivity to the prevailing democratic environment.
The group further called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral officials and citizens to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly before, during and after the Osun governorship election.
It maintained that President Tinubu’s intervention was a reassuring affirmation that democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law remain the guiding principles of his administration.