PROSPER OKOYE
The coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations on Friday welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s reported directive ordering the immediate removal of an EFCC restriction on the Osun State Government’s bank account.
The National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria on System Strengthening, (S4CSOI) said the intervention would help ensure continued delivery of public services while allowing anti-corruption agencies to operate within the law.
“We view the President’s intervention as consistent with democratic principles that encourage accountability while ensuring that governance continues effectively for the benefit of the people,” the coalition’s National Coordinator, Chief Oluwasegun Oyedijo, said in a statement.
The coalition noted that uninterrupted access to government funds was essential for paying workers’ salaries, implementing development projects, and providing healthcare, education and other public services.
It added that restrictions affecting government finances should be balanced against the public interest and constitutional governance.
According to the group, freezing accounts of subnational governments can disrupt governance and directly affect citizens who depend on state services.
The coalition also urged anti-corruption agencies, state governments and other public institutions to work within the framework of the constitution, due process and transparency.
It called on political actors to resolve disputes through lawful and democratic means rather than actions that could cripple governance.
S4CSOI stressed that accountability and the fight against corruption must not come at the expense of ordinary citizens’ welfare.
The group further said it would continue advocating for institutional reforms, transparency, accountability and stronger democratic governance across Nigeria.
Chief Oyedijo said civil society remains committed to monitoring how the directive is implemented to ensure it does not undermine ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
The coalition concluded that collaboration between the government and its agencies is key to achieving both development, accountability and transparency.