President Bola Tinubu has directed the 36 state governors to comply with the Supreme Court judgment by ensuring that allocations meant for local government councils are released directly to them.
The President stressed that true local government autonomy cannot exist without financial independence, noting that there must be a funded mandate for councils to function effectively.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday, December 18, while speaking at the 14th All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He also revealed that he had assured leaders of the United States and the European Union that Nigeria would introduce state policing as part of efforts to address insecurity.
He urged governors and party leaders to remain flexible in their leadership approach and to stay actively engaged in developments across their states, including at the grassroots and rural community levels.
“You must be accommodating, tolerant, and flexible, and be involved in what is happening in your states down to the local government level,” Tinubu said.
The President disclosed that during discussions with U.S. and European officials, he expressed confidence that Nigeria would pass legislation on state police to strengthen security nationwide, attributing his confidence to the support of his party.
“They asked if I was confident, and I said yes, because I have a party that will make it happen,” he said, adding that failure was not an option.
On the Supreme Court ruling, Tinubu emphasized the need for decisive action. “Local government autonomy must be effective. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We will give them their money directly — that is the truth and that is compliance with the Supreme Court,” he stated, urging leaders to take governance seriously.
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