Tinubu Urges Governors to Comply with Supreme Court Order on LG Autonomy

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…Tinubu warned that by withholding statutory funds meant for local councils, non-compliant governors may leave him with no option but to ensure direct allocation of local government funds through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to obey the Supreme Court judgment that grants financial autonomy to local government councils.

He cautioned that continued disregard for the ruling could force him to invoke an Executive Order to guarantee the direct disbursement of Federation Account allocations to local governments.

The President issued the warning on Friday while addressing the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Tinubu warned that by withholding statutory funds meant for local councils, non-compliant governors may leave him with no option but to ensure direct allocation of local government funds through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

“The Supreme Court has made it clear once again, local governments must receive their funds directly. If you wait for my Executive Order, because I control the process, I will act,” he said.

He added that he had so far exercised restraint out of respect for the governors but stressed that failure to begin implementation would attract consequences.

The President’s remarks followed the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 ruling, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit to enforce financial autonomy for local governments.

In a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of the apex court held that it is unconstitutional for state governments to withhold or manage funds allocated to local councils.

The court consequently ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments in line with Sections 162(5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Despite this, many states have continued to operate joint accounts in defiance of the ruling.

Addressing NEC members, including the National Working Committee and other party leaders, Tinubu again stressed the need for strict compliance, warning that persistent violations could invite federal action.

“Our final authority is the Supreme Court. We must comply and respect its judgment,” the President said.