President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his
administration’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court judgment
granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that
non-compliance by state governors could trigger decisive executive action.
The President made this known 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.
Tinubu cautioned that governors who fail to align with
the apex court’s ruling risk losing portions of their federal allocations.
“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,” the President said.
“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.”
Beyond fiscal matters, Tinubu stressed the need for unity
and tolerance within the ruling party, reminding leaders that the APC was
founded on progressive ideals, inclusiveness and respect for differing
opinions.
“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy
that we take in our hands must not fail… We must be tolerant,” he said.
The President also reiterated his support for the
creation of state police, describing it as a necessary step in tackling
terrorism and banditry. He urged the National Assembly to summon the
Inspector General of Police to explore safeguards that would prevent abuse
of such a system.
On other national issues, Tinubu backed the campaign
for greater female representation in elective offices and advised
lawmakers against centralising the lottery business, insisting that
lotto and gaming fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks,
praised Tinubu’s political courage and leadership, warning that any coalition
seeking to challenge the President in the 2027 elections would amount to
“political suicide.”
“Nigeria’s opposition did not survive by accident. It
survived because one man refused to surrender the political space,” Shettima
said, crediting Tinubu for funding and sustaining democracy when it was risky
to do so.
Meanwhile, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe
Yilwatda, announced that the party has begun preparations for nationwide
electronic registration of members at ward, local government and state
levels. He called on party leaders and stakeholders to support the exercise
with the required logistics.
Yilwatda also disclosed that the tenure of the current
Ward, Local Government, State and Zonal Executive Committees has been
extended until March 2026, to allow for a smooth transition ahead of
future party congresses.
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