President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned state governors against frustrating the implementation of local government financial autonomy, declaring that the Federal Government would directly release council funds if states continue to defy the Supreme Court judgment on the matter.
Tinubu issued the warning on Friday night while addressing the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President stressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments was final and binding, insisting that no level of government had the power to undermine the apex court.
“The Supreme Court has carved it for you; it says give them their money directly,” Tinubu said. “So, if you wait for my executive order because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.”
He explained that the Federal Government already had the mechanisms to ensure compliance, noting that allocations to local councils could be computed and paid directly from source before disbursement at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
“Before FAAC, we will do the arithmetic, we know the percentage and I will send it to their accounts. I am just being very respectful and understanding with my governors,” he added.
Tinubu warned that continued resistance by governors would attract financial sanctions. “Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, FAAC after FAAC, you will see a deduction from the source,” he said, drawing applause from party leaders at the meeting.
The President’s remarks come amid growing concerns that many states are yet to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, despite public commitments to do so.
On security, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to establish state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
He directed the National Assembly to summon the Inspector-General of Police to examine the implications and safeguards needed to prevent abuse.
“We are going for state police. We will do the Forest Rangers, we will arm them. We will defeat those terrorists and bandits. We must,” the President declared.
He also cautioned APC leaders against exclusionary practices in the ongoing e-membership registration exercise, urging fairness and openness.
“Allow it, don’t elbow, don’t shut the door against the people,” Tinubu said. “You are in charge now; if you fail to do so, we will take it away. We know how to do it. We will do it on your behalf.”
Earlier, Vice-President Kashim Shettima paid glowing tribute to Tinubu’s role in building the political foundation that birthed the APC, describing him as a seasoned fighter whose experience had strengthened the party.
“Long before coming to power, he stood when it was unfashionable to stand, organised when it was dangerous to organise and funded democracy when silence was silver,” Shettima said.
“His experience is not just history; it is the armour of this party forged in resistance, sharpened by survival and perfected by victory.”
In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party remained united and resilient, with strong roots across the six geopolitical zones.
He assured Nigerians that the APC would consolidate its gains and continue to support what he described as the bold and comprehensive reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration.
The NEC meeting ended with renewed pledges of loyalty to the President and commitments by party leaders to strengthen governance and party cohesion nationwide.
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