President Bola Tinubu has cautioned governors that he may be forced to issue an executive order to enforce direct allocations to local governments if they fail to comply with the Supreme Court ruling affirming financial autonomy for Nigeria’s third tier of government.
Tinubu gave the warning during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Friday.
Addressing the NEC members, comprising governors, National Working Committee members, and other party leaders, Tinubu said, “The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying 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, FAC after FAC, you will see,” he warned, making a cutting gesture with his hand.
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments.
The court ordered the direct payment of allocations from the Federation Account to local governments, a practice provided for in Section 162(5-8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) but widely flouted by most state governments through joint accounts.
The seven-member panel of the apex court declared that it was unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.
“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” Tinubu maintained.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also spoke at the event and expressed optimism about Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections
Only a fool hell-bent on a suicidal path or an outright imposter can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. But we are in a democracy, and people are free to contest elections,” he said on Friday.
“But elections are not won by noise or nostalgia. Elections are not conducted, to follow the words of Uba Sani, elections are not conducted on Facebook, on Twitter. They are won by coalitions, credibility, and convictio
“With the experience of our president is our shield, and the lessons of the past are our guide. I believe that 2027 is not a gamble; it is a responsibility, and by the grace of God, we shall have a renewable blessing,” Shettima said.
