In what can be regarded as taking a tough stance against recalcitrant helmsmen at the states, President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that he may be compelled to issue an Executive Order to ensure direct allocations to local governments if they fail to comply with a Supreme Court verdict affirming financial autonomy for Nigeria’s third tier of government.
Tinubu gave the warning on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja while the event was attended by the APC governors , National Working Committee members, and other party leaders.
Tinubu had earlier sounded a similar warning at the APC’s 14th National Caucus meeting on Thursday, emphasising that local government autonomy cannot be achieved without a funded mandate.
Reiterating his earlier directive, Tinubu said non-compliance by state governments could force the Federal Government to directly release funds to local councils through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Speaking on the need to obey the verdict of Supreme Court without further delay, Tinubu said, “The Supreme Court has capped it for you again. Give them their money directly. “If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it. I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, FAAC after FAAC you will see.”
It is instructive to note that Tinubu’s remarks was sequel to the landmark Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which upheld a federal government suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments. In a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel held that it was unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.
The apex court further directed that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, as provided under Section 162 (5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Despite the ruling, many state governments have continued to channel local government funds through joint accounts, a practice the apex court declared illegal and unlawful.
But Tinubu has reminded the state governors about the importance of compliance with the verdict of Supreme Court , warning that continued violations could trigger federal intervention.
Underlining his administration’s commitment to enforcing local government financial autonomy, Tinubu said, “The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment.”
