…Says President Has No Power to Direct Anti-Graft Agency
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over alleged interference in the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Adebayo said he does not support calls for the resignation of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, insisting that the anti-graft agency should be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
The former presidential candidate was reacting to reports alleging that President Tinubu directed the EFCC to unfreeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
According to him, if the commission acted wrongly in freezing the accounts, the Osun State Government should challenge the action in court instead of seeking political intervention.
He maintained that the EFCC operates under judicial supervision and that any person or institution dissatisfied with its actions has legal remedies, including applying for the accounts to be unfrozen or seeking damages through the courts.
Adebayo argued that the President has no constitutional authority to direct the anti-graft agency on how to conduct investigations, describing such interference as a violation of the rule of law.
“The EFCC should be allowed to perform its duties independently. If there is any wrongdoing, the courts remain the proper avenue for redress,” he said.
The SDP chieftain said his party has consistently respected law enforcement institutions even when it disagreed with some of their actions, preferring legal action rather than attacking public institutions.
He assured that under an SDP administration, anti-corruption agencies would enjoy full operational independence without political directives from the Presidency.
On the recent meeting between President Tinubu and Catholic bishops, Adebayo said the clerics offered sincere advice in the interest of the nation and should not be criticised for speaking truth to those in authority.
He urged religious leaders not to relent in praying for Nigeria and offering constructive counsel to leaders.
Speaking on the development of Northern Nigeria, Adebayo described the region as one of the country’s greatest assets, saying its vast land, population and abundant natural resources could drive agricultural and economic prosperity under responsible leadership.
He blamed Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges on poor leadership rather than regional differences, insisting that every part of the country has the potential to prosper under accountable governance.
On growing calls for a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, Adebayo said Nigerians should focus on electing a competent leader rather than political calculations.
He also criticised the National Assembly, accusing lawmakers of placing personal interests above the welfare of Nigerians and calling on citizens to unite in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.
