Tinubu threatens it invoke Executive Order to stop governors’ control of LG funds

President Bola Tinubu on Friday issued a stern warning to state governors, saying he could invoke an Executive Order to compel direct allocation of funds to local governments if states continue to defy the Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government.

Tinubu delivered the warning at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The caution follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court on July 11, 2024, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.

In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel, the apex court declared it unconstitutional for state governments to withhold, control or manage funds meant for local councils.

Read also: Tinubu groups bandits, armed groups, enablers as terrorists in new security reset

It further ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, in accordance with Sections 162 (5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), provisions long undermined through the operation of state–local government joint accounts.

President Tinubu expressed concern that despite the judgment, some governors were still refusing to release statutory allocations to local councils, warning that continued resistance could provoke decisive federal action through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly,’” the President said.

“If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.”

He added: “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.”

Tinubu stressed that compliance with the judgment was non-negotiable, warning that persistent violations could trigger federal intervention.

“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he insisted.

The NEC meeting, which commenced at 6:05 pm, was attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly leadership, governors, and other top party leaders and stakeholders.

Declaring the meeting open, Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, dismissed opposition criticisms as “shallow,” insisting the ruling party continues to expand its national footprint despite sustained attacks.

He said the APC’s growth trajectory has unsettled the opposition, noting that the party has remained focused on consolidating its structures and electoral readiness.

“Our objectives remain that we want to strengthen and galvanize the party structures at all level, and we are enhancing our structural and strategic preparedness ahead of the next election cycle,” Yilwatda said.

“We are not deterred by the few shallow criticism of the opposition. They have become increasingly uncomfortable with our deliberate and principled effort to build a truly pan Nigerian political party rooted in progressive politics.”

The chairman said the party’s mobilisation drive was aimed at securing future electoral victories, adding that recent defections by governors and their political structures had further strengthened the APC.

According to him, the party’s dominance in the National Assembly was a product of “effective party evangelism” that has attracted opposition lawmakers. “We have a commanding majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he noted.

Yilwatda also said the electronic membership registration system would enhance transparency, accuracy and internal democracy, noting: “This will enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.”

Earlier, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, moved a composite motion for the commencement and completion of the party’s e-membership registration, the conduct of congresses at ward, local government, state and zonal levels, and the election of national officers and other party officials.

The motion was seconded by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and unanimously adopted.

In a related development, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, eulogised President Tinubu for what he described as modest achievements despite global economic headwinds, and moved a motion endorsing the President for a second term.

The motion, seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, was unanimously adopted by NEC members.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.

Those present included Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

All APC-elected governors were in attendance, alongside six newly defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno; and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

Also present were members of the National Working Committee, party state chairmen, former national chairmen including Bisi Akande and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba, and other party elders and stakeholders.

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