Tinubu issued the warning during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja. He expressed concern over governors withholding statutory allocations meant for local governments, stating that persistent non-compliance could lead to direct disbursements from the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
Addressing party leaders, including governors, Tinubu said, “The Supreme Court has ruled clearly—give them their money directly. If you delay, my Executive Order will enforce it. I have the authority, and I will use it.”
He emphasized respect for the judiciary, adding, “I am being patient with the governors, but if they refuse to act, they will see the consequences.”
The warning follows the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment, which declared it unconstitutional for state governments to control local government funds. The court ordered direct payments from the Federation Account, reinforcing constitutional provisions that have often been ignored through joint accounts.
Tinubu stressed the importance of compliance, stating, “The Supreme Court’s decision is final. We must respect it.” Failure to do so, he warned, could prompt federal intervention.
