“Compliance With Supreme Court Ruling Is Not Optional” — Amamgbo Backs Tinubu on Local Government Funds

Barrister Donald Amamgbo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his firm stance on constitutionalism and grassroots development, urging state governors to comply fully with the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy.

Reacting to the President’s warning to governors during the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Amamgbo described the intervention as timely, courageous, and necessary to end the long-standing diversion of funds meant for local government councils.

According to him, the Supreme Court judgment directing that local government allocations be paid directly into council accounts is clear, final, and binding on all state governments.

“The President has once again demonstrated uncommon leadership by standing on the side of the Constitution and the Nigerian people. Compliance with the Supreme Court ruling is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation,” Amamgbo said.

He warned that any attempt by state governments to undermine the judgment would amount to disobedience to the highest court in the country and a violation of the rule of law.

Amamgbo also aligned with President Tinubu’s position that governors, having conducted and supervised local government elections in their respective states, bear responsibility for the councils and must allow them to function effectively through direct access to their statutory allocations.

While supporting financial autonomy for local governments, he cautioned council chairmen and officials to match autonomy with accountability. He stressed that funds received by local councils must be used transparently and prudently for the benefit of the people.

“Financial autonomy must translate into visible development at the grassroots — improved primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, sanitation, and youth empowerment. Nigerians will no longer accept excuses or mismanagement at the local government level,” he added.

He concluded by calling on state governments, local councils, and relevant oversight institutions to support the President’s resolve to strengthen local governance, deepen democracy, and ensure the dividends of good governance reach citizens at the grassroots.