December 20, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has declared that the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement affirming the financial autonomy of local governments is non-negotiable, warning state governors that continued failure to comply could attract firm executive action.
The President gave 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.
The President, in a statement signed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the apex court’s ruling, which mandates the direct disbursement of funds to local governments, must be respected, stressing that his administration would not hesitate to enforce compliance if delays persist.
“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. 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”, he said.
The President also emphasised the need for cohesion 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. 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. We must be tolerant”, he stated.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that unity of purpose, adherence to progressive values and internal harmony would enable the APC to continue leading Nigeria towards stability, prosperity and inclusive development.
On security, Tinubu reiterated his support for state police, describing it as a necessary step in addressing terrorism and banditry. He urged the National Assembly to summon the Inspector-General of Police to examine ways to institute safeguards and controls to prevent abuses under a decentralised policing system.
The President also voiced strong support for increasing the number of women in elective positions, noting that greater female participation was essential for deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
In addition, President Tinubu cautioned the National Assembly against centralising the lottery business, insisting that lottery regulation falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of state governments.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised President Tinubu’s political courage and role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic opposition, describing any coalition aimed at challenging the President’s popularity ahead of the 2027 elections as “political suicide.
“Politics rewards memory, and today, memory must begin with gratitude. Nigeria’s opposition did not survive by accident. It survived because one man refused to surrender the political space”, he said.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, announced that the party had concluded plans to commence electronic registration of members across wards, local governments and states nationwide. He called on party leaders and stakeholders to support the exercise with the required logistics to ensure its success.
Yilwatda also announced the extension of the tenure of the current Ward, Local Government, State and Zonal Executive Committees until March 2026.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chairman of the APC Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, commended President Tinubu for what they described as bold and strategic economic reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustained growth.
The NEC meeting reaffirmed the APC leadership’s resolve to strengthen party unity while advancing governance reforms in line with constitutional provisions and democratic ideals.
