President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that he may issue an executive order and direct deductions from the Federation Account Allocation Committee to enforce financial autonomy for local governments.
Tinubu gave the warning on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Addressing APC leaders, including governors and members of the National Working Committee, the President said governors must comply with the Supreme Court judgment ordering direct allocation of funds to local councils.
He said, “The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying 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.”
Tinubu added that he had exercised patience so far but would not hesitate to act if the ruling continued to be ignored.
“I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, FAC after FAC, you will see,” he warned.
Recall that on July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Federal Government in a suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments.
The apex court ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, as provided under Section 162(5–8) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The seven-man panel of the court held that it was unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils through joint accounts.
Reaffirming his position, Tinubu said compliance with the judgment was not optional.
“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he said.
