Tinubu urges governors to enforce local government autonomy or face court action

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm warning to state governors across Nigeria to promptly implement full local government autonomy in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision, noting that noncompliance will lead to legal repercussions.

The President made this announcement during the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, emphasizing that this directive applies to every governor in the country, irrespective of their political parties.

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“Local government autonomy is essential and must be enforced,” President Tinubu stated. “Autonomy cannot exist without ensuring that funds are allocated to them directly, which necessitates adherence to the Supreme Court’s mandate.”

This warning comes in response to the ongoing delays by various state governments in executing the Supreme Court’s ruling from July 2024, which mandated that federal funds be distributed directly to the 774 local governments across the nation.

The Supreme Court had determined that governors no longer possess the constitutional authority to withhold, manage, or divert funds intended for local councils, deeming such actions illegal and detrimental to grassroots development.

Despite the clear ruling, the implementation has faced obstacles in many states, raising suspicions of intentional resistance by some governors. President Tinubu underscored that adherence is mandatory and cautioned that undermining the ruling could result in judicial penalties.

The President highlighted that effective local government autonomy is vital for fortifying democracy at the local level, enhancing service delivery, and fostering development in both rural and urban areas.

He urged governors to uphold the rule of law and adhere to the constitutional framework by granting local councils complete financial and administrative independence.