The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his administration’s legal move to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from accessing records of government contracts, describing the action as “appalling and shameful”.
The opposition party’s reaction followed Wednesday’s ruling by a Federal High Court in Ibadan, which granted an application by the Oyo State Government restraining the EFCC from obtaining financial records relating to contracts awarded by the Makinde administration from 2021 to date.
The governor’s media office had interpreted the court’s decision as preventing the anti-graft agency from investigating allegations or suspicions of corruption involving state officials and other individuals.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, faulted the governor’s decision to seek judicial intervention against the anti-corruption agency, insisting that public officials should not obstruct lawful investigations into the management of public resources.
According to the party, the EFCC was merely carrying out its statutory responsibility of examining how funds allocated to the state had been spent, stressing that accountability remains a fundamental principle of democratic governance.
“Apparently, Governor Makinde thought the mandate to govern conferred on him the right to turn the entire state into his personal estate, without realising there would be a need for accountability,” Sadare said.
“He began on the path of an autocrat who believed he could never be questioned over his actions and inactions in office. The latest episode in his battle against anti-graft agencies leaves much to be desired, especially in a state that prides itself as the Pacesetter.”
The APC questioned why the governor would oppose efforts aimed at scrutinising the state’s financial records, arguing that transparent governance requires public office holders to account for their stewardship.
“The question on the lips of many patriots is: why would a governor be afraid to render an account of resources entrusted to him for the benefit of the people? What is Governor Makinde trying to conceal?” the statement added.
The party further maintained that the court action would not permanently shield the administration from scrutiny, expressing confidence that the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies would eventually carry out comprehensive investigations where necessary.
Sadare alleged that several projects executed under the Makinde administration, including the exercise book printing programme, Lekan Salami Stadium rehabilitation, Circular Road project, renovation of the Agodi Government House, bus terminal construction, Alakia Airport upgrade, alleged sale of government properties, and claims of unremitted deductions from workers’ salaries, would come under investigation.
He stated that anyone found culpable after due process should be held accountable, adding that the governor would ultimately be required to account for the management of public funds during his administration.
The Oyo State Government has yet to respond to the APC’s latest allegations.
