Tinubu Threatens Governors Over LG Autonomy, Backs State Police
President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors obstructing the financial independence of local government councils, declaring that he possesses the executive powers to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment on the matter.
Speaking on Friday night at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President employed a metaphor to illustrate his resolve.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President cautioned the governors that continued non-compliance would have direct financial consequences for their states.
He hinted that allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) could be withheld or reduced if the obstruction continues.
“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 warned.
In a significant policy shift, President Tinubu also threw his weight behind the establishment of State Police, a move long advocated by proponents of restructuring to curb rising insecurity.
He called on the National Assembly to summon the Inspector General of Police to work out the modalities for its establishment, specifically to “institute controls and prevent abuses,” which he described as a necessary step in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Furthermore, the President advised the federal legislature to respect the jurisdiction of state governments regarding the lottery business, warning against attempts to centralize its regulation.
Also speaking at the event, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, dismissed the chances of any opposition coalition in the 2027 general elections. He described any attempt to challenge Tinubu’s popularity as “political suicide.”
Shettima praised the President’s history as an opposition leader who “funded democracy when silence was safer,” adding that the APC is fortunate to have him as its leader.
“Politics rewards memory… Long before power came calling, he stood when it was unfashionable to stand. As we look towards 2027, one truth stands above all others,” Shettima said.
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, announced the commencement of e-registration for members nationwide and the extension of the tenure of current Executive Committees at all levels until March 2026.
The meeting was attended by key party stakeholders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who both commended the President’s economic reforms.
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