President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors across Nigeria to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that grants financial autonomy to local governments. The President’s directive comes amid growing concerns over the persistent withholding of statutory allocations meant for local councils by several state governments, a practice the Supreme Court has now declared unconstitutional.

Addressing party leaders and members at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, President Tinubu issued a stern warning to governors who continue to flout the apex court’s decision. He emphasized that the era of diverting or managing local government funds through state-controlled joint accounts must end, in line with the constitutional provisions and the recent Supreme Court judgment.

“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,” Tinubu declared, underscoring his readiness to take decisive action if the governors fail to act. “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.”

The President’s remarks follow the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, delivered by a seven-member panel, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce the financial independence of local governments. The court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils, ordering that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments as stipulated under Section 162(5-8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Despite this clear directive, many state governments have continued to operate joint accounts, effectively denying local governments the financial autonomy guaranteed by the constitution. This has led to widespread criticism from civil society groups, local government officials, and the general public, who argue that the lack of financial independence undermines grassroots development and democratic governance at the local level.

President Tinubu, addressing the NEC members, including the National Working Committee and other party leaders, reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the Supreme Court’s judgment. He warned that continued violations could prompt federal intervention, including the issuance of an Executive Order to ensure that local government allocations are paid directly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” Tinubu insisted, signaling his administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance and promoting transparency in the allocation and management of public funds.

The issue of local government autonomy has long been a contentious one in Nigeria’s federal structure. While the constitution provides for a three-tier system of government—federal, state, and local—successive administrations at the state level have often been accused of stifling local governments by withholding funds and limiting their operational independence. This has hampered service delivery, infrastructure development, and the overall effectiveness of local governance.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling and President Tinubu’s firm stance, there is renewed hope among advocates of local government autonomy that the tide may finally be turning. Many observers believe that direct allocations to local councils will not only enhance accountability and transparency but also empower local governments to better address the needs of their communities.

As the federal government moves to enforce compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision, all eyes are now on the state governors to see whether they will heed the President’s call and align with the constitutional mandate. The coming weeks and months are expected to be pivotal in determining the future of local government administration and grassroots development in Nigeria.