Tinubu warns governors over local government autonomy, signals firm enforcement

Story by Tawheed Yakub

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued what he described as a “final caution” to state governors over the implementation of local government autonomy, stressing that his administration will no longer tolerate actions that undermine constitutionally guaranteed powers of local councils.

Read aslo: The unfinished battle for local government autonomy, by Lawal Dahiru Mamman

The President spoke while addressing stakeholders, where he made it clear that respect for local government independence is not optional but a constitutional obligation. Tinubu said his approach so far had been guided by respect and dialogue, but warned that stronger measures could follow if compliance is not ensured.

According to him, local governments are critical to grassroots development and service delivery, adding that denying them financial and administrative autonomy weakens governance and fuels underdevelopment at the community level.

Read also: CISLAC hosts stakeholders in roundtable on advancing local government autonomy in Abuja

The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enforcing court rulings and constitutional provisions granting autonomy to local councils, urging governors to align with the law in the interest of national development.

Tinubu’s warning comes amid renewed debates over state control of local government funds and administration, a long-standing issue in Nigeria’s federal system.

Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:

Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com