President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to enforce the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
The President warned that continued non-compliance by state governors could lead to decisive executive action, including measures that may affect state allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday night at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House, Abuja.
Emphasising the ruling of the apex court, the President said it had ordered direct allocation of funds to local governments and stressed that persistent disregard for the judgment would not be tolerated, despite his consultative leadership style.
Beyond the issue of local government autonomy, Tinubu urged unity and tolerance within the ruling party.
He reminded APC leaders that the party was founded on progressive ideals, inclusiveness and respect for diverse opinions, expressing confidence that adherence to these values would sustain Nigeria’s path toward stability, prosperity and inclusive development.
The President also reiterated his support for the establishment of State Police, describing it as a critical tool in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
In this regard, he called on the National Assembly to summon the Inspector General of Police to work out safeguards against potential abuses.
On governance reforms, Tinubu backed efforts to increase women’s participation in elective offices and advised lawmakers against centralising the lottery business.
According to him, lottery and gaming fall within the constitutional jurisdiction of state governments.
