Tinubu Assures Governors: No Plan to Hijack Local Governments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed rumors of discord between his administration and state governors over the push for local government autonomy. Speaking during a New Year homage by state governors, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Tinubu reiterated his commitment to collaboration and grassroots development.

Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling

In July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment affirming financial autonomy for the 774 local government areas across Nigeria. While many governors swiftly conducted local government elections in response, their actions suggested unease with the federal government’s autonomy initiative.

Collaboration for National Growth

Addressing the governors, Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of state leadership in driving national prosperity. He highlighted the governors’ control over substantial portions of allocated revenue and their pivotal role in agriculture and grassroots development.

“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The federal government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent 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,” Tinubu stated.

He called for stronger federal-state collaboration to tackle pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stabilization.

Commitment to Local Government Development

Tinubu dispelled rumors of conflict over local government autonomy, emphasizing its importance for grassroots empowerment. He urged governors to prioritize development at the local level, assuring them of continued collaboration.

“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 said.

Focus on Agriculture and Economic Stability

The president underscored the importance of agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability and improved currency valuation.

“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.

Acknowledging Progress Across States

Tinubu commended the governors for their achievements, noting visible development in various states. He encouraged them to take pride in their efforts while pledging his support for their initiatives.

“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he remarked.

Governors Affirm Support

Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, praised Tinubu’s policies, particularly in agriculture. He highlighted successes such as bumper harvests and improved food security, noting that governors were working to deepen agricultural sustainability.

“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest. Most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day,” Abdulrazak said.

The governor assured Tinubu of continued support, particularly in strengthening local security and advancing economic progress.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and pledged continued efforts toward national development.

“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he said.

The president also announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4, as part of his nationwide tour to assess ongoing projects and transformations.