The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted the reported freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), warning that any action capable of disrupting governance days before the state’s governorship election could undermine democratic credibility and public trust.
The group expressed concern over reports that the account was restricted barely 10 days before the August 15 governorship election, arguing that the timing of the move raises questions about legality, transparency and the neutrality of public institutions during an election period.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said if the account was frozen without a valid court order or other legal backing, it would amount to an abuse of power and an infringement on the constitutional autonomy of a federating state.
According to the rights organisation, the reported restriction is particularly troubling because the affected account is said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, a development it warned could inflict unnecessary hardship on civil servants and disrupt government operations.
The association said anti-corruption agencies must carry out their constitutional responsibilities without creating the impression that their actions are influenced by political considerations.
“It is unacceptable for any federal agency to take steps that create the perception that governance in a state can be brought to a halt on the eve of an election without full transparency and unquestionable legal authority,” the statement said.
HURIWA maintained that while investigations into alleged financial crimes are legitimate, such actions must be guided by due process, judicial oversight and respect for constitutional limits.
It added that the fight against corruption should never be conducted in a manner that erodes public confidence in democratic institutions or raises doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.
The organisation therefore called on the EFCC to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the reported account freeze, including the legal provisions under which it acted, whether it obtained judicial authorisation and the safeguards put in place to prevent disruption of essential government services.
HURIWA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society organisations and election observers to closely monitor developments in Osun to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election remains free, fair and credible.
The group further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all federal agencies operate strictly within the confines of the law and avoid actions capable of creating the perception of political interference.
It insisted that if the reported restriction cannot be justified by due process and clear legal authority, it should be reversed immediately to preserve constitutional governance, democratic stability and public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.