State Governors Pays Visit To President Bola Tinubu At His Residence In Ikoyi, Lagos • As President harps on LG autonomy
By Stephen Angbulu
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said his administration is in no battle with state governors over the controversial local government autonomy.
Tinubu, however, called for collaboration from the 36 state governors, highlighting their crucial role in grassroots development.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No…Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration,” the President said when he received Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, who paid him a New Year homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
The governors on the New Year visit were Abba Yusuf (Kano), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
Others were Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Monday Okpebholo (Edo); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Usman Ododo (Kogi).
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed the discussions in a statement he signed Wednesday titled, ‘President Tinubu to Governors: You are the most important link to Nigeria’s development and prosperity.’
In July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment affirming the fiscal autonomy of local governments nationwide.
The apex court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
Therefore, local governments must receive direct allocations from the Federation Account, without interference by state governments.
President Tinubu stated that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years had been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.
Speaking on Wednesday, he expressed his commitment to local government development and autonomy, stressing its importance for grassroots development and dispelled rumours of disagreement with the governors.
“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government.
“Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” Tinubu explained.
He also emphasised the critical role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.
The President expressed his gratitude for their support and collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort for the nation’s progress.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” he said.
President Tinubu called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.
