President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all state Governors to ensure immediate compliance with the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy by paying statutory allocations directly to local government councils.
Gatekeepers News reports that he made the call on Thursday night during the 14th national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House.
The President emphasised that local government autonomy depends on financial independence, insisting that councils must receive their funds without interference.
Tinubu said, “There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We will give them their money directly, that is the truth, that is compliance with the Supreme Court, take leadership seriously.”
He also urged Governors and party leaders to promote reconciliation, flexibility, and grassroots engagement, stressing that leadership should extend beyond state capitals to rural communities.
Tinubu added that he had assured the United States and European Union of Nigeria’s commitment to establishing state police to enhance security.
He said, “I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads. I told them confidently that we will pass state police to improve security, I have a party that will make it happen.”
The President condoled with the government and people of Bayelsa State over the death of the Deputy Governor and prayed for his soul. He further called for greater female representation within the APC caucus.
Earlier, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda highlighted the party’s growing national acceptance, citing high-profile defections and electoral successes.
He announced that the party’s electronic membership registration would continue until January 30, 2026, ahead of party congresses.
Yilwatda said the APC, with Tinubu’s support, has secured land in Abuja’s Central Business District for a new national secretariat, with architectural designs already in progress.
He also noted that the party now holds an overwhelming majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, attributing this to Tinubu’s leadership and recent defections.
The caucus chairman briefed members on ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, preparations for the FCT area council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, and recent by-election victories.
The meeting was attended by Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC Governors, national working committee members, National Assembly leaders, and recently defected Governors.
