VIDEO: Tinubu Warns Governors on Local Government Autonomy

President Bola Tinubu on Friday issued a stern warning to state governors, declaring that he may be compelled to invoke his constitutional powers through an Executive Order if states fail to comply with the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling affirming financial autonomy for local governments.

Speaking in a video that has since circulated widely, the President emphasised that the judgment of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy is final and binding, stressing that his administration will not tolerate any actions that undermine the independence of Nigeria’s third tier of government.

President Tinubu noted that direct allocation of funds to local governments is essential for grassroots development, transparency, and accountability, adding that persistent interference by state governments has weakened governance at the local level.

He warned that should state governors continue to frustrate the implementation of the ruling, the Federal Government would have no option but to ensure compliance through executive means, including directing that statutory allocations be paid directly to local government councils.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that constitutional provisions are respected across all levels of government, describing local government autonomy as a critical pillar of inclusive national development.

The warning underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to enforce the rule of law and realign governance structures in line with constitutional mandates, signalling a decisive shift in the long-running debate over local government funding in Nigeria.

The video statement has sparked renewed debate among political stakeholders and policy analysts, as implementation of the Supreme Court ruling is expected to significantly alter state–local government relations nationwide.