By Prosper Okoye
A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations on Friday welcomed what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the immediate removal of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (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 reported intervention would help ensure the continued delivery of public services while allowing anti-corruption agencies to carry out their responsibilities 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 said 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.
The group also urged anti-corruption agencies, state governments and other public institutions to work within the framework of the constitution, due process and transparency, while calling on political actors to resolve disputes through lawful and democratic means.
The coalition said it would continue advocating for institutional reforms, transparency, accountability and stronger democratic governance across Nigeria.
