President Bola Tinubu has directed the 36 state governors to release local government funds directly to councils in line with the recent Supreme Court ruling. He made this known during the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress held in Abuja.
The President stated that local governments cannot operate independently without access to their statutory funds. He said full autonomy would only work if councils receive their allocations directly, as required by law. According to him, compliance with the court ruling is not optional and must be treated as a responsibility of leadership.
During the meeting, Tinubu also spoke on national security. He disclosed that discussions had been held with leaders of the United States and the European Union on Nigeria’s plan to introduce state police. He expressed confidence that the ruling party would support the move as part of efforts to address security challenges across the country.
The President urged governors and party leaders to show tolerance and flexibility in governance. He advised them to stay involved in issues at all levels, especially within rural communities, stressing that political leadership should extend beyond state capitals.
Tinubu also called for stronger unity within the party, saying reconciliation and cooperation among leaders were necessary for progress. He said the ruling party, being the majority, carries a responsibility to lead by example.
He condoled with the Bayelsa State Government over the death of the deputy governor and offered prayers for the repose of his soul. The President further called for greater inclusion of women in party leadership and decision-making structures.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, briefed the caucus on party activities. He spoke about the party’s expansion through recent defections, a new electronic membership registration system, and plans for a new national secretariat in Abuja. He said the APC now holds a strong majority in the National Assembly and continues to grow nationwide.
The meeting was attended by top party leaders, including newly defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as leaders of the National Assembly, who all called for unity and cooperation within the party.