Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that continued resistance by state governors could trigger decisive executive action, Prime Business Africa reports.
The President issued the warning on Friday night while addressing the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Tinubu said the apex court’s ruling was clear on the direct allocation of funds to local governments, stressing that non-compliance by states would no longer be tolerated.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The Supreme Court has said, ‘give them their money directly.’ If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said.
“I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, FAAC after FAAC, you will see your allocation dwindling.”
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He also called for unity and tolerance within the ruling party, reminding party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, inclusiveness and respect for diverse opinions.
“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail,” Tinubu said. “We say we are bigger, larger and taller, but it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That is the only way we can be resilient.”
On security reforms, the President reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step in tackling terrorism and banditry. He urged the National Assembly to summon the Inspector General of Police to examine safeguards that would prevent abuses under a decentralised policing structure.
Tinubu also expressed support for ongoing advocacy to increase women’s participation in elective positions and cautioned lawmakers against centralising lottery operations, insisting that lottery matters fall within the constitutional jurisdiction of state governments.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s political leadership, describing any coalition aimed at challenging the President’s popularity ahead of the 2027 elections as “political suicide.”
“Politics rewards memory, and memory must begin with gratitude,” Shettima said, crediting Tinubu with sustaining Nigeria’s opposition politics at a time when it was risky to do so.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, announced that the party had concluded plans to commence nationwide electronic registration of members at ward, local government and state levels. He called on governors, lawmakers and other stakeholders to provide logistical support to ensure the success of the exercise.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, also commended the President for what they described as bold and strategic economic reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
The NEC meeting brought together top party leaders and government officials to review party affairs and national issues.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
