Democracy is sustained not merely by periodic elections but by the unwavering commitment of public institutions to fairness, impartiality and the rule of law. Whenever the actions of state institutions create an impression of political partisanship, public confidence is diminished, and democracy itself becomes the ultimate casualty.
The recent decision by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, to freeze the account of the Osun State Government has generated intense national debate. While the EFCC undoubtedly possesses statutory powers to investigate economic and financial crimes, the exercise of such powers must always inspire confidence that justice is being pursued without fear, favour or political consideration.
The timing of the action has understandably raised concerns across the country. In a democracy, timing matters. Even where an institution believes it is acting within the ambit of the law, it must also be mindful of how its actions affect public trust in the neutrality of state institutions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has strongly condemned the freezing of the state’s account, describing it as an attempt to cripple governance and deprive the people of Osun State of resources required to pay salaries, execute developmental projects and provide essential public services. His administration has maintained that it remains committed to defending the interests of the people through constitutional and legal means.
The development has attracted reactions from across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders, senior lawyers, civil society organisations and many Nigerians have questioned both the timing and implications of the EFCC’s action. Their concerns are not merely about Osun State. They are about the larger question of preserving the integrity, independence and credibility of institutions that belong to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
One of the notable voices in the public conversation has been internationally acclaimed musician David Adeleke (Davido), who has publicly expressed support for the Osun State Government and Governor Ademola Adeleke. Like many other concerned Nigerians, he has appealed for fairness, justice and respect for the democratic mandate freely given by the electorate.
Encouragingly, reports indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, intervened by directing that the restriction placed on the state’s account be lifted. Whether viewed from a legal, political or humanitarian perspective, such intervention is commendable because democracy flourishes when institutions are seen to operate within constitutional boundaries while avoiding actions capable of generating unnecessary political tension.
This episode offers an opportunity for sober national reflection.
The objective of democracy is not the political domination of all thirty-six states by one party. Democracy is healthiest when there is healthy competition, ideological diversity and a credible opposition capable of providing alternative visions for national development. The absence of opposition weakens accountability, diminishes public debate and ultimately impoverishes governance itself.
History teaches us that nations become stronger when institutions are independent and elections are determined solely by the will of the people. Anti-corruption agencies perform indispensable functions in every modern democracy, but they must be insulated from any perception of political influence. Their greatest asset is credibility. Once that credibility is questioned, even their most legitimate actions become subjects of suspicion.
Nigeria’s democratic journey has not been easy. It has been nurtured through years of sacrifice by patriots who believed that power should derive from the ballot and that institutions should serve the Constitution rather than transient political interests. We owe those pioneers, and future generations, the responsibility of protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions.
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This is why I respectfully call upon the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to continue ensuring that all agencies of government discharge their constitutional responsibilities with absolute impartiality. Institutions must not only be independent; they must also be seen by Nigerians to be independent.
Our democracy is bigger than any political party, any administration or any individual. It belongs equally to those in government and those in opposition. A vibrant opposition is not an enemy of democracy; it is one of democracy’s indispensable pillars. Governments may change, but institutions endure. Their conduct today will shape public confidence for generations to come.
The Osun account controversy should therefore remind us that democracy is best preserved when constitutional institutions exercise their powers with restraint, transparency and unquestionable neutrality.
Let the EFCC remain a fearless anti-corruption agency.
Let political contests be decided by the ballot.
Let justice be administered without bias.
Above all, let democracy breathe.
Professor Steve Azaiki, OON, is a former Member of the House of Representatives, former Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, former Pro-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ritman University.