President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all 36 state governors to immediately comply with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy by ensuring that statutory allocations are paid directly to local government councils.
The President gave the directive on Thursday night while speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Tinubu stressed that local government autonomy cannot exist without financial independence, insisting that councils must receive their allocations without interference.
“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate,” the President said.
“We will give them their money directly. That is the truth. That is compliance with the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”
The President urged governors and party leaders to embrace reconciliation, flexibility and grassroots engagement, noting that leadership must extend beyond state capitals to rural communities.
He 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 insecurity.
“I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads,” Tinubu said.
“I told them confidently that we will pass state police to improve security. I have a party that will make it happen.”
While commiserating with the government and people of Bayelsa State over the death of the Deputy Governor, Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and called for increased female representation within the APC caucus.
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APC Sets January Deadline for Membership Registration
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, hailed what he described as the party’s growing national acceptance, citing high-profile defections, the launch of an electronic membership registration system, and plans for a new national secretariat in Abuja.
Yilwatda said the registration exercise would run through January, with January 30 set as the deadline for members to be registered ahead of congresses.
He disclosed that the APC, with the support of President Tinubu, has secured land in Abuja’s Central Business District for a new national secretariat, with architectural designs already underway.
The chairman also claimed that the APC now enjoys an overwhelming majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, attributing the development to Tinubu’s leadership and recent defections.
He listed several governors who have joined the APC from opposition parties and said the trend reflects the party’s pan-Nigerian character.
Yilwatda further briefed caucus members on ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, preparations for FCT area council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, and recent electoral victories in by-elections.
The APC National Caucus meeting was attended by the President, Vice President, APC governors, National Working Committee members, National Assembly leaders, and recently defected governors.
Friday Olokor
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