In a pivotal meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fully comply with the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils. He emphasized that true independence for local governments is unattainable without direct access to adequate funding.
Speaking at the National Caucus meeting of the ruling party, which was attended by key political figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and various governors, Tinubu underscored the need for flexibility and adherence to constitutional order, particularly at the grassroots level.
He reflected on the Supreme Court’s ruling, urging his party’s leaders to consider how this judgment could be leveraged to improve both the country and the APC. “Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgment. What can we do with it and how well we can position our country and our party?” he stated.
The President warned against partial compliance with the court’s decision, asserting that local governments cannot function effectively without financial independence. “To me, local government autonomy must be effective. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We will give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the Supreme Court,” Tinubu declared.
In addition to local government issues, Tinubu called upon governors to support the proposed establishment of state police, a crucial element of his administration’s security reform agenda. He expressed confidence in the APC’s capacity to implement this reform, citing discussions with international partners who were reassured of Nigeria’s commitment to making state policing a reality.
When concerns were raised about the feasibility of state police, Tinubu pointed to the APC’s numerical strength across the nation, emphasizing the party’s readiness to make necessary changes to enhance security. “I have a party that will make it happen, and if at this level we fail—God forbid—we will not fail,” he added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu’s leadership, particularly regarding national security efforts, such as the recent rescue of over 100 abducted children. Akpabio also pledged the Senate’s support for stricter measures against kidnapping, linking Nigeria’s internal security to the stability of neighboring nations.
He announced that the Senate had passed a bill classifying kidnapping as terrorism, which would carry the death penalty upon presidential assent, urging governors to enforce capital punishment where applicable to deter criminal activities.
During the meeting, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda outlined the party’s significant growth due to recent defections from opposition parties, which have strengthened its majority in the National Assembly. He emphasized ongoing party reforms, including plans for electronic membership registration, preparations for upcoming congresses, and the acquisition of land for a new national secretariat in Abuja.
The National Caucus meeting brought together numerous party leaders, including those who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a broader political realignment in favor of the ruling party. As the APC continues to assert its influence, the discussions at this meeting highlight significant priorities for governance and party cohesion moving forward.
