President Bola Tinubu
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the controversy surrounding the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts, describing the President’s reported directive to unfreeze the accounts as a timely step that has helped avert a constitutional and governance crisis.
The coalition said the President’s intervention demonstrated his commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law and the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services to the people of Osun State, amid growing concerns over the implications of the account freeze on government operations.
The controversy erupted after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly obtained a court order freezing the Osun State Government’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account over an ongoing investigation. The action sparked widespread legal and political debate, with critics warning that the restriction could cripple the state’s ability to pay salaries, execute projects and meet other statutory obligations. Reports that President Tinubu subsequently directed the anti-graft agency to vacate the order have since eased tensions surrounding the matter.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition’s National Coordinator, Ambassador Timothy Ihemadu, welcomed what it described as the President’s decisive intervention.
“This intervention demonstrates the President’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Osun State,” the statement said.
According to the coalition, the uninterrupted operation of government institutions and the protection of the financial autonomy of constitutionally elected governments remain fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic stability and national development.
“We believe that the continuous operation of government institutions and the protection of the financial autonomy of duly constituted governments are fundamental to democratic governance and national development. Any action capable of disrupting governance, public service delivery, or the welfare of citizens should always be approached with caution and in strict compliance with the law,” it stated.
The coalition further commended President Tinubu for acting promptly in what it described as the national interest and for ensuring that constitutional governance was not undermined.
“This intervention reflects responsible leadership and reinforces confidence in democratic institutions,” the statement added.
It also called on the EFCC and other public institutions to continue discharging their statutory responsibilities professionally, impartially and strictly within the limits of the Constitution, while avoiding actions capable of generating unnecessary political tension or disrupting governance.
Reaffirming its commitment to the promotion of democracy, accountability, transparency and human rights, the coalition urged political leaders across the country to embrace dialogue, constitutionalism and the welfare of citizens above partisan interests.
The statement comes amid continuing public interest in the Osun account controversy, which has since taken a legal dimension following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to institute a ₦2 billion suit against the EFCC, alleging that the freezing of the state’s allocation account was unlawful and unconstitutional.
