…We’re undeterred by opposition’s criticism – Yilwatda
…Govs endorse President Tinubu for 2027
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned state governors that he may be compelled to issue an Executive Order to enforce direct allocation of funds to local governments if states fail to comply with a recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government.
The warning was issued on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, ruled in favour of the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for the 774 local government councils in the country.
In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel, the apex court declared it unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.
The court ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, in line with Section 162 (5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a provision widely flouted by many states through the operation of joint accounts.
Expressing concern over reports that some governors were still refusing to release statutory allocations to local councils, President Tinubu warned party chieftains that continued non-compliance could force him to take decisive action through the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly,’” the President said. “If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.”
“I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, fact after fact, you will see.”
The President stressed the need for governors to comply, warning that further violations could warrant a federal intervention.
“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he insisted.
The meeting which started at 6:05 pm had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly leadership, alongside top party leaders and stakeholders.
Declaring the meeting open, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed criticisms from opposition parties as “shallow.”
He noted that the party is gaining ground nationwide despite the attacks by the opposition.
Yilwatda maintained that despite efforts by the opposition to throw spanner on the wheel of the party’s progress, it has continued grow, adding that the success story of the party has continued to make the opposition uncomfortable.
“Our objectives remain that we want to strengthen and galvanize the party structures at all level, and we are enhancing our structural and strategic preparedness ahead of the next election cycle.
“We are not deterred by the few shallow criticism of the opposition. They have become increasingly uncomfortable with our deliberate and principled effort to build a truly pan Nigerian political party rooted in progressive politics,” he said.
The chairman noted that the party’s mobilisation drive is aimed at ensuring victory for the party in future elections.
On the recent defections by governors and their structures, Yilwatda said the development has further made the party “more formidable and better prepared,” making everybody want to be a member of APC.
The chairman also praised the party’s dominance in the National Assembly, crediting its leadership for “effective party evangelism” that lured opposition lawmakers. “We have a commanding majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he noted.
He also said the electronic membership registration system is designed to boost transparency, accuracy, and internal democracy. Saying, “This will enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making,” he said.
Earlier, the governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya moved a compsite motion for the commencement and completion of the e-membership registration being embarked upon; for the conduct of congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels of the party; and election of national officers and other associated members.
The motion was seconded by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and unanimously adopted by members in attendance.
Eulogising the President Tinubu for the modest achievements made despite the global economic downturn, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PDF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzordinma moved a motion for the endorsement of the President for the second term.
The motion was seconded by the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Una Sani, and received unanimous adoption of NEC members.
Goodwill messages by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate .
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ry. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and other principal officers of the National Assembly.
All the state governors elected under the platform of the party.
The six newly defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were also in attendance.
They are Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.
Members of the National Working Committee (NWC), party State Chairmen, former National Chairmen, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomole, former governor of Ogun state, Akogun Segun Osoba and hosts of others.
