A global politically neutral group identified as Naija Lives Matter (NLM), has stated that its call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations trailing Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State is not politically motivated.
The group founded by Dr. Ope Banwo who is also the convener of the Make Nigeria Great Again (MANGA) initiative clarified this much in an open letter to the governor where it also requested the State Assembly to open a public inquiry into the allegations.
In the letter, the group noted that while they do not claim the allegations are proven or confirmed to be true yet, they are simply demanding explanations and transparent investigations after most of the claims have been in the public space for a while, unaddressed and unresolved by institutions, and Gov. Dapo Abiodun himself who owes the state and the nation an explanation.
NLM also added that although its charge is based on preliminary findings, its investigative unit, along with its legal review committee, is still conducting a forensic audit of all these allegations, as they seek to distinguish between: morally troubling actions, politically questionable decisions, and legally actionable crimes—by Nigerian constitutional and criminal law
According to the group, the call to Governor Abiodun is for accountability, and it is a moral, civic, and patriotic obligation to highlight serious and recurring allegations bordering on fraud, certificate forgery, electoral manipulation, and abuse of public trust.
Further, NLM stated that the letter is part of its national campaign to federalize accountability and decentralize responsibility in states and local governments, adding that the action is one of the key pillars of its “HoldYourGov Campaign”, where it urges citizens to stop obsessing only about Abuja and instead turn the lenses of scrutiny toward those who manage their everyday realities—Governors, Local Governments Chairmen, and State Assemblies.
On its political neutrality, the group disclosed that in 2023, it decided not to align with any political party, political personality or political aspirant, adding that its charter now demands independence from partisanship.
“We now only align with what is good for Nigeria and our states and local governments. So, this is not about an Obidient or the Obidient Movement attacking the governor. They have nothing to do this this. I am no longer part of the Obidient Movement. I do not belong to any party and Naija Lives Matter Organisation is no longer aligned with any party or personality,” the letter signed by Dr Banwo,” read in part.
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