Politics
THE Coalition of Pro-Democracy Organizations has described the reported freezing of Osun State Government bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, calling for an immediate reversal of the action.
The coalition made its position known in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Ihekiare, on Thursday.
The statement followed a press conference by Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, during which he confirmed that the state government had received notice that its bank accounts had been frozen, a development he said could disrupt government operations ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.
Reacting to the development, the coalition alleged that the action was capable of undermining constitutional democracy and creating public concern over the electoral environment in the state.
It argued that the timing of the reported account freeze, coming days before the governorship election, could affect governance and public confidence in the electoral process.
The coalition maintained that while the EFCC has a statutory responsibility to investigate financial crimes, its operations should always be conducted in accordance with constitutional principles, due process and fairness.
It said anti-corruption measures should not create the perception of interference in a democratic contest or disrupt the activities of a democratically elected government.
The group called on the EFCC to immediately restore access to the affected accounts, saying such action would help reassure citizens of the Commission’s neutrality.
It warned that failure to reverse the reported directive within 48 hours could trigger nationwide peaceful protests involving civil society organisations, labour groups, youth organisations, students and other pro-democracy advocates.
The coalition also appealed to the international community, including election observers, diplomatic missions, the African Union, ECOWAS and the Commonwealth, to closely monitor developments ahead of the Osun governorship election.
According to the group, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring credible elections remain essential to sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
It urged all stakeholders to ensure that the people of Osun State were allowed to elect their governor in an atmosphere free from intimidation or actions capable of influencing the electoral process.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the democratic rights of Nigerians.
F.O
Tags: Coalition Osun