By AWC National Politics Desk
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a forceful appeal and warning to state governors to honour the Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy, emphasising that respect for the apex court’s ruling is essential to strengthening grassroots democracy and development.
Speaking on last Friday night during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu reiterated that local governments must receive their statutory allocations directly from the Federation Account, without interference by state governments.
Respect the Court, Respect the People
“The Supreme Court has said, ‘give them their money directly,’” Tinubu declared, warning that continued defiance by governors may compel decisive federal intervention. “If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it. I know their accounts, we will credit them directly”
His comment refers to the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court ruling, where a seven-member panel unanimously held that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils, and ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments in compliance with Section 162(5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Despite the constitutional directive, many states have continued to hold local government funds in joint state-LGA accounts, a practice the apex court expressly invalidated as unlawful. Tinubu’s call on governors underscores frustration that one year after the ruling, full compliance remains elusive in many quarters.
Decentralisation as a Policy Priority
President Tinubu’s message goes beyond mere enforcement. His address highlighted that financial autonomy for local governments is critical to genuine grassroots development — providing councils with the fiscal means to plan and execute programmes that respond to local needs without undue state interference.
The President also tied the autonomy agenda to broader governance reforms, stressing that the third tier of government should no longer be weakened by financial constraints or bureaucratic control from the state level. Without a funded mandate, true autonomy would remain elusive, he argued.
Executive Order and FAAC Power
Tinubu made it clear that his administration prefers collaboration over coercion, but signalled that an Executive Order or direct FAAC deductions could be used as constitutional instruments to ensure compliance if governors continue to withhold local government allocations.
This stance conveys urgency and reflects mounting impatience with prolonged delays in implementing a ruling that has broad implications for local governance and grassroots service delivery.
Political Implications
The appeal was made in the presence of key APC leaders, including governors, members of the National Working Committee, and legislative leadership — reflecting the political weight the matter carries within the ruling party. Tinubu also stressed the need for unity, tolerance and cohesion within the party as it navigates this and other governance challenges.
What’s at Stake for Nigerians
Analysts say compliance with the Supreme Court ruling could:
- Increase accountability and transparency at the grassroots level;
- Ensure direct access to funds for local developmental projects;
- Strengthen democratic governance and political participation at the ward and community levels.
Conversely, continued resistance by some governors could delay urgently needed infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services that depend on functional local council administrations.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s message was unmistakable — financial autonomy for local governments is not just a judicial mandate but a cornerstone for deepening democracy and unlocking grassroots potential. Whether this appeal will translate into full compliance remains a central question in Nigeria’s evolving governance landscape.
Stay tuned to AWC for ongoing coverage of this and other critical national governance developments.
