President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors that he may be compelled to issue an Executive Order to enforce direct allocations to local governments if they fail to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming financial autonomy for Nigeria’s third tier of government.
Tinubu spoke on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
In a veiled but pointed message to governors accused of withholding statutory allocations meant for local councils, Tinubu warned that non‑compliance could force him to directly allocate local council funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Addressing NEC members, including governors, National Working Committee members, and other party leaders, the President 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.”
He added, “I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, fact after fact, you will see.”
Tinubu’s remarks follow the July 11, 2024 landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments.
In a unanimous decision, a seven‑member panel of the apex court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.
The court ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, as provided in Section 162(5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). However, many states have continued to channel the funds through joint accounts.
In his speech, Tinubu reiterated the necessity for governors to abide by the apex court’s directive, warning that further violations could invite federal intervention.
“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he insisted.