The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria have expressed their support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the freezing of Osun State government bank accounts. Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani argued that safeguarding public funds is essential when there are credible reports of potential misappropriation.
CISLAC emphasized that state funds are public assets meant for essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, rather than personal or partisan use. The organization maintains that temporary account freezes serve as a critical preventive measure, allowing investigators to audit resources before they are potentially moved beyond reach. They argued that stopping the flow of money during an inquiry is a standard procedure to ensure assets remain available for future use.
Addressing concerns that these actions hinder government functions, the organization questioned whether a temporary audit is more damaging than the permanent loss of billions meant for public welfare. They drew parallels to previous actions in Edo and Kogi states, noting that court-ordered restrictions successfully preserved large sums that might have otherwise disappeared. In those instances, the group cited how judicial oversight supported the commission’s efforts to prevent financial dissipation.
While supporting the EFCC’s authority to act on intelligence, CISLAC advised the commission to implement clear timelines, suggesting a 30-to-60-day window for preliminary investigations to ensure accountability. They stressed that such measures are not a declaration of guilt but a procedural step to protect the treasury. The organization concluded by encouraging public support for anti-corruption initiatives, stating that protecting taxpayer money remains a core duty for both the agency and the citizenry.
