President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fully implementing the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria.
The President also warned state governors against interfering with funds meant for local councils, stressing that true autonomy cannot exist without direct access to funding.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. His comments come amid heightened national debate over the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which seeks to strengthen grassroots governance by ensuring that local governments operate independently of state control, particularly in financial matters.
During his address, the President urged APC governors to align with both the letter and spirit of the court’s decision, emphasising that its implementation must be practical, effective and beneficial to governance at the grassroots level.
“Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgement,” Tinubu said. “What can we do with it, and how well can we position our country and our party? To me, local government autonomy is and must be effective.”
He underscored that autonomy without funding would be meaningless, insisting that local governments must receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account, as ordered by the apex court.
“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate,” the President stated. “We give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the Supreme Court.”
Tinubu’s comments appeared to be a direct caution to state governors who have historically exercised significant control over local government finances through joint allocation accounts, a practice widely criticised for weakening local administration and service delivery.
Beyond financial autonomy, the President also charged governors to demonstrate flexibility, tolerance and active leadership within their states. He encouraged them to stay closely involved in governance at all levels, including local councils, while respecting constitutional boundaries.
“You have to navigate this country; whether we like it or not, you are in leadership positions that must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible,” Tinubu said. “You must get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level.”
Political observers say Tinubu’s stance signals a strong push towards decentralisation and grassroots development, a policy direction that could reshape governance dynamics between federal, state and local authorities if fully implemented.
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