Tinubu classifies bandits, violent cults as terrorists, unveils tougher security approach

Tinubu signals tough action as governors drag feet on LG autonomy President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that the Federal Government may invoke an executive order and enforce deductions at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) if states continue to delay the implementation of financial autonomy for local governments, as directed by the Supreme Court. The warning was issued on Friday at the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The meeting brought together APC governors, members of the party’s National Working Committee, and other key stakeholders. Addressing party leaders, the president stressed that the issue of local government funding had already been conclusively settled by the judiciary. He maintained that councils are constitutionally entitled to receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account and cautioned that the Federal Government would not hesitate to enforce compliance if states failed to act. Tinubu made it clear that the Supreme Court judgment leaves no room for negotiation or selective implementation, noting that respect for the constitution and the rule of law is non-negotiable. He hinted that persistent resistance by governors could prompt direct intervention through FAAC to ensure allocations meant for local councils are paid at source. The president’s remarks come against the backdrop of a landmark Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024, which upheld the Federal Government’s position on local government financial independence. In that judgment, a seven-member panel declared it unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils through joint state–local government accounts. Relying on provisions of Section 162 (5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the apex court ruled that direct payment of allocations to local governments is mandatory. The justices held that state control of council funds undermines grassroots development and violates constitutional safeguards. Reaffirming his stance, Tinubu said full compliance with the ruling is compulsory nationwide, describing adherence to court judgments as a cornerstone of democratic governance. Beyond the autonomy debate, the president also reflected on the APC’s standing in the country, describing the party as the most dominant political force in Nigeria. He however, cautioned against complacency, particularly at the grassroots, where he said weak or absent structures could undermine effective governance. He urged party leaders to strengthen organisation at ward and local government levels, noting that grassroots engagement is especially critical in states where the APC does not control the governorship. Tinubu also revisited the challenges surrounding the 2023 general election, recalling the economic strain caused by fuel scarcity and the naira redesign policy. He acknowledged that the period brought significant hardship for Nigerians, with many struggling to meet basic needs. Despite those challenges, the president credited divine support for the APC’s electoral success, noting that the party secured victories across 28 states. On security, Tinubu renewed his call for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to engage the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the legal and operational framework needed to introduce the system while preventing abuse. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to decentralised policing. The president also restated his resolve to combat insecurity by clearing criminal elements from forests nationwide through the deployment of forest rangers, vowing that terrorists and bandits would be decisively dealt with. On constitutional reforms, Tinubu expressed support for proposed amendments aimed at enhancing gender inclusion, particularly measures to improve women’s representation. He however, opposed federal encroachment into areas such as lotteries, describing them as residual matters under state jurisdiction.