“This Is Not Delay, It Is Defiance” — Atiku Slams Tinubu Administration Over LG Autonomy Ruling

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over its alleged failure to implement a Supreme Court judgment mandating direct financial allocations to local governments.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, Atiku described the continued non-implementation of the ruling as a constitutional breach, warning that by July next year, the Tinubu administration would have spent two years allegedly ignoring the directive on direct disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to local governments.

Atiku dismissed claims that the delay was due to administrative hurdles, insisting that the inaction was deliberate and politically motivated. According to him, the federal government was using compliance with the judgment as leverage over state governors, both within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stressed that Supreme Court judgments are final and binding, adding that failure to enforce them amounts to a violation of the Constitution and the oath of office sworn by the president.

The former vice president also said the continued denial of financial autonomy to local governments was negatively affecting grassroots development. He noted that local councils, as the tier of government closest to the people, lack the funds needed to fix roads, maintain health centres, pay salaries, and deliver basic services.

Atiku argued that enforcing the judgment does not require political drama or executive threats, but straightforward action by the presidency. He urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to immediately enforce the Supreme Court ruling.

He further warned that continued inaction sends a signal that political control is being prioritised over constitutional responsibility and the welfare of Nigerians.

Atiku concluded by calling on the president to respect the rule of law, stating that history and Nigerians would judge the administration’s response to the issue.