Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Local Government Autonomy, Warns APC Governors Against Fund Interference
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria.
The president made this known while addressing governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning them against any form of interference with local government funds. The remarks were delivered during an APC Caucus meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
PulseNets learnt that Tinubu stressed that compliance with the landmark judgment must go beyond rhetoric and be executed in a practical, enforceable, and results-driven manner that strengthens governance at the grassroots.
Speaking on the implications of the ruling, the president said:
“Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgement. What can we do with it, and how well can we position our country and our party?”
He emphasised that genuine local government autonomy is impossible without direct access to funds, insisting that councils must be financially empowered to perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
According to Tinubu:
“To me, local government autonomy is and must be effective. Let us give them. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate.”
Reiterating his administration’s position on compliance, the president added:
“We give them their money directly. That is the truth. That is compliance with the Supreme Court.”
PulseNets reported that beyond financial autonomy, Tinubu also urged APC governors to demonstrate flexibility in leadership and remain actively engaged with developments within their states, down to the local government level.
Charging governors to embrace inclusive governance, Tinubu said:
“You have to navigate this country. Whether we like it or not, you are in leadership positions that must yield, continue to promote tolerance, remain flexible, and get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level.”
Also Read: Supreme Court Backs Tinubu’s Power to Suspend Governors, Upholds Rivers Emergency Rule
The Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy has continued to generate nationwide debate, with analysts describing its effective implementation as a critical step toward deepening democracy, improving service delivery, and strengthening grassroots development.
