The growing pattern of deploying federal institutions to destabilise governance in opposition-controlled states in Nigeria is deeply troubling and must be unequivocally condemned.
As I noted in my last newsletter, while no government should be above scrutiny, the selective use of agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to target specific states or public office holders raises serious concerns about fairness, impartiality, and institutional integrity.
When anti-graft bodies appear to act with political bias rather than professional objectivity, their credibility is inevitably undermined. Investigations that seem selective not only weaken public confidence but also cast doubt on the legitimacy of genuine anti-corruption efforts.
Even more alarming is the reported freezing of an official state government account without adherence to due legal process. Such an action, if established, exceeds the lawful powers granted to the EFCC and sets a dangerous precedent. The timing of this move further fuels suspicion, suggesting a calculated attempt to influence the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.
This is not just a legal issue—it is a democratic one. Federal institutions are entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding the Constitution, not advancing partisan interests. Their actions must consistently reflect fairness, professionalism, and political neutrality.
At this critical moment, Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community must remain vigilant. Democracy cannot flourish in an environment where state institutions are perceived as tools of political intimidation or manipulation. The independence and credibility of these institutions are the bedrock of public trust and the foundation upon which democratic governance stands.
Nigeria must choose the path of law over expediency, justice over partisanship, and institutional integrity over political advantage. The rule of law must always prevail over the rule of politics.
