Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of intentionally delaying the enforcement of native authorities {financial} autonomy for political positive factors, alleging that the difficulty is getting used to strain governors into becoming a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku made the accusation whereas reacting to current feedback by President Tinubu on the Supreme Court docket judgment that granted full {financial} autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 native authorities councils.
Based on him, the President’s dealing with of the matter exhibits a scarcity of political will and respect for the Structure.
The Supreme Court docket, in a unanimous judgment delivered in July 2024, dominated that it’s unconstitutional for state governments to manage or withhold funds meant for native governments.
The apex courtroom additionally declared using caretaker committees unlawful, insisting that solely democratically elected native councils are recognised beneath the 1999 Structure.
In the course of the fifteenth Nationwide Govt Committee (NEC) assembly of the APC held on the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu had referred to as on state governors to adjust to the judgment.
He warned that failure to take action might power the Federal Authorities to challenge an Govt Order mandating direct allocation of funds to native governments from the Federation Account.
Nonetheless, Atiku faulted the President’s strategy, insisting that there was no want for additional warnings or threats.
“At this level, there isn’t any want for threats of Govt Orders,” Atiku stated.
“All of the President must do is instruct the Lawyer-Common of the Federation to implement the judgment instantly. Something wanting it is a failure of management.”
The previous vice chairman, who’s now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that the delay was intentional and politically pushed.
“Your refusal to behave is a calculated political transfer—utilizing obedience to the regulation as a bargaining chip to power opposition governors into the APC and to maintain governors inside your get together firmly beneath your management,” Atiku wrote.
He additional accused the President of undermining constitutional governance for partisan benefit.
“In doing so, you may have lowered the Structure to a instrument of comfort and governance to partisan bargaining. Supreme Court docket judgments are ultimate, not non-compulsory,” he said.
Atiku additionally warned that continued failure to implement the ruling quantities to a severe constitutional breach.
“Persistently refusing to implement one is a direct breach of the Structure and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians,” he stated.
He concluded by warning that the Tinubu administration can be judged by historical past over its dealing with of the matter.
“Your continued inaction sends a transparent message that political management issues greater than constitutional obligation. Historical past is not going to overlook this second. Nigerians is not going to both,” Atiku added.