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President Bola Tinubu has directed the 36 state governors to ensure that local government allocations are handed over directly to local government areas in compliance with the recent Supreme Court judgment.
The President stressed that local government autonomy cannot exist without a funded mandate. He made the remarks while speaking at the 14th APC National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, December 18.
Tinubu also disclosed that he had assured the United States and the European Union of Nigeria’s commitment to establishing state police as part of efforts to address the country’s insecurity challenges.
He further advised governors and party leaders to be flexible in their approach to governance and to remain actively involved in developments within their states, including rural communities.
“You must yield and continue to promote tolerance and flexibility. Get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, right down to the local government level.
“I had a very long discussion with the US and European leaders. I told them confidently that we will pass the state police initiative to improve security. They asked if I was confident, and I said yes — because I have a party to depend on, a party that will make it happen.
“And if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail. Reconciliation, accommodation and flexibility are in your hands. We are the majority. We are the leaders.
“Let us also consider the recent Supreme Court judgment. What can we do with it, and how can we position our country and our party effectively?
“To me, local government autonomy must be effective. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We will give them their money directly — that is the truth and that is compliance with the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”
