President Bola Tinubu has urged APC governors to comply fully with the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy and back the creation of state police to tackle insecurity
Obey Verdict On Council Autonomy – Tinubu Tells Governors, Orders Direct LG Funding
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to state governors to fully comply with the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, insisting that councils must receive their allocations directly to function effectively.
The President also urged governors to brace for the implementation of state police, describing it as a critical solution to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday night during a meeting of the National Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The gathering, which brought together APC governors, party leaders and top government officials, traditionally precedes the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for today.
Recall that in July last year, the Supreme Court ruled that funds meant for local governments must be paid directly into their accounts, rather than through the joint state–local government account system. The ruling has largely remained unimplemented, prompting the President’s renewed call.
“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate,” Tinubu declared.
“To me, the local government autonomy, as it is, must be effective. We’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’ll comply with the Supreme Court order.”
The President stressed that genuine grassroots governance cannot exist without financial independence for local councils, urging governors to take leadership beyond state capitals.
“You are in a leadership position and must yield and continue to promote, tolerate, and be flexible. Get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level,” he said.
On security, Tinubu called for support for the proposed establishment of state police, revealing that he had assured international partners of Nigeria’s readiness to implement the reform.
“I had a very long discussion with the U.S. and Europeans. I was bragging to them that, definitely, we will use the state police to improve security,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the APC’s dominance nationwide to deliver the reform successfully.
“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said yes. I have a party to depend on… and God forbid, we will not fail.”
The President emphasised reconciliation and cooperation within the ruling party as essential to turning political strength into effective governance.
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Tinubu’s leadership on national security, citing the recent rescue of over 100 abducted children. He pledged the Senate’s backing for tougher measures against kidnapping and banditry.
Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly had passed a bill classifying kidnapping as terrorism, which would attract the death penalty once signed into law. He urged governors to enforce capital punishment where applicable, warning that leniency could embolden criminals.
He also commended Tinubu’s diplomatic intervention in Benin Republic, noting that Nigeria’s security is closely tied to regional stability.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party has recorded a surge in political strength following recent defections and its dominance in the National Assembly. He described APC’s position as a “commanding majority” nationwide, attributing the momentum to internal mobilisation and reforms.
Yilwatda announced the rollout of an electronic membership registration system to boost transparency and internal democracy, ahead of upcoming congresses and the party’s national convention.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate and House leadership, APC governors, former vice president Yemi Osinbajo, party elders, ex-governors, and key figures across Nigeria’s political landscape.
President Tinubu arrived at the State House Conference Centre at about 7:38 pm, underscoring the significance of the meeting as the ruling party positions itself for governance reforms and future electoral contests. Read More
