Tinubu Urges Governors to Comply With S’Court Judgment on LG Funds, Calls for More Women in APC Caucus

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the 36 state governors to comply fully with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy by ensuring the direct release of statutory allocations to local councils.

The President gave the directive on Tuesday 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 genuine local government autonomy cannot exist without a funded mandate, insisting that councils must receive their allocations directly to function effectively. According to him, adherence to the apex court’s ruling is not optional but a constitutional obligation.

“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,” the President told governors and party leaders.

He urged APC governors and leaders to show tolerance, flexibility and inclusiveness in governance, noting that active engagement at all levels—down to the grassroots—was critical to national development and party stability.

“You must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible. Get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level,” he said.

On security, Tinubu revealed that he had assured the United States and the European Union of Nigeria’s commitment to establishing state police as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the country. He expressed confidence that the APC, as the ruling party, would provide the necessary backing to make the reform a reality.

“I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads. I told them confidently that we will pass state police to improve security. They asked if I’m confident, and I said yes, because I have a party to depend on,” Tinubu stated.

The President also called on party leaders to use the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy as an opportunity to reposition both the country and the APC, emphasising unity and reconciliation within the party.

In addition, Tinubu advocated greater inclusion of women in the APC leadership structure, particularly within the caucus, urging that deliberate provisions be made to increase female representation.

“We also need more women in this caucus. We should make provisions for that,” he said.

The President concluded his remarks by commiserating with the government and people of Bayelsa State over the death of the state’s deputy governor, praying for the repose of his soul.